As a human rights lawyer, Aida Ashouri has fought for the rights of people now targeted by Trump’s regime. Born in Iran and raised by a single mom in Canoga Park, North Hollywood, and Whittier, her struggles growing up as an immigrant fuel her passion for justice. She is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, School of Law, and has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international affairs from George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs, and the University of California, Irvine, respectively. She has conducted know your rights presentations in response to ICE raids, counseled renters facing eviction, lobbied for asylum policy reform, drafted legislation protecting small businesses, helped veterans obtain services, indicted the leader of the Khmer Rouge for the crime of genocide in a war crimes tribunal, and advocated for safer streets by securing infrastructure like bollards and speed bumps. As a former toxic tort and plaintiff-side attorney, she knows how to handle matters involving people’s lives and large money demands, like the liability payments the City is facing. Aida presents needed new leadership that will keep the City accountable, secure the rights of Angelenos, protect tenants against slumlords, make our streets safer, and fight polluters. 

As the only candidate that has worked on both criminal and civil matters at the City Attorney’s Office, she understands the power the City Attorney has both as the City’s criminal prosecutor and advisor to City Council. At the City Attorney’s office, Aida advised the City Council on a pro bono immigration representation program, and drafted an ordinance that opposed a religious registry that was proposed by Trump. She also prosecuted crimes ranging from violations of domestic violence restraining orders to DUIs. As the next City Attorney, Aida will work hard to make Los Angeles a livable city that uses its resources to protect the rights of Angelenos. The city has shown its resiliency in the face of attacks by Trump, climate change, and corruption through mutual aid and protest. Now they need a good lawyer who has their back.