Staff Attorney Anahita Sotoohi

Anahita Sotoohi

Pronouns: she/her

Staff Attorney

Legal Department

Bio


As the staff attorney, Anahita works to further the work of the legal team by litigating cases involving Maine’s Freedom of Access Act and the Freedom of Information Act. She joined the organization in the fall of 2021 as a legal fellow and became a staff attorney in 2024.

Prior to joining the ACLU, Anahita was a government defense litigator in Denver. Before litigating, Anahita clerked for Judges Emily Anderson, Michael Goodbee, and Rayna Gokli of the Colorado District Court.

Anahita attended the University of Iowa College of Law. During law school, Anahita served as contributing editor for the Iowa Law Review and was awarded the Kenneth J. Cmiel Human Rights Scholarship.

Featured Work


News & Commentary
McGonigle v Curran
  • Freedom of Expression

Case Closed: First Amendment Win for Cat Jokes and Criticizing Public Officials

We sued the government for denying a critic access to official events open for public registration. Now we have the government on record committing to treat her like anyone else.
News & Commentary
Smith v Trump Case Graphic
  • Freedom of Expression

Our Case Challenging Trump’s ICC Sanctions Will Move Forward

A federal court will allow our case defending two human rights advocates to proceed. The president’s executive order remains blocked, and our clients can continue their important human rights work as the case proceeds.

Related Content


Press Release
ACLU Free Speech
  • Freedom of Expression|
  • +1 Issue

@CatsOnACouch Instagram Creator Barred from JD Vance Event Sues, Alleges Violation of First Amendment Rights

Amanda McGonigle runs an account dedicated to mocking the vice president and conducting mutual aid efforts.
Press Release
McGonigle v. Curran
  • Freedom of Expression|
  • +1 Issue

CatsOnACouch Creator Asks Court to Allow Her to Attend Upcoming Vance Events

Amanda McGonigle was prohibited from attending a taxpayer-funded event with Vice President Vance earlier this year in retaliation for her social media account mocking the VP.