Melanie Chaput

Melanie Chaput is a distinguished attorney with extensive expertise in immigration law, civil rights, and family law. She graduated from Canisius College in 1994 and earned her Juris Doctorate from Rutgers School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, in 1999. Her career has been marked by a commitment to justice and a focus on empowering underserved communities.

Attorney Chaput’s passion for advocating for immigrants and refugees was sparked at the International Human Rights Law Group in Washington, D.C. During law school, she served as the Organizer for Immigrant Household Workers in New York City and authored a guide on employing household workers. Her notable early work includes assisting in the landmark immigration case In re: Hany Kiareldeen, challenging the use of secret evidence against a stateless Palestinian.

After graduating from law school, Attorney Chaput began her career at the International Institute of New Hampshire, delivering essential legal services to low-income immigrants. She went on to create New Hampshire’s first free legal program for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, underscoring her long-standing commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable communities.

In 2003, Attorney Chaput began working at Bailinson, Cappuccino & Leary, P.C., representing clients in immigration, family law, and civil litigation. Her advocacy extends to impactful cases, including co-counseling a successful challenge to anti-immigrant driver’s license policies in New Hampshire and arguing before the New Hampshire Supreme Court in a personal injury case.

Attorney Chaput’s dedication to justice has been featured in public forums, including the television show Forensic Files, for her work on a refugee child’s lead poisoning case. She is an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, sharing her knowledge and expertise with future legal professionals.

Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and multiple federal courts, Attorney Chaput is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to her clients. Her career reflects a deep commitment to justice, advocacy, and the rule of law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Chaput Law Office
• Adjunct Professor, Southern New Hampshire University
• Member, Massachusetts State Bar

Licensed State

• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire

Education

• Rutgers School of Law, Newark, NJ
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges