Ciara M. Anderson
Member Spotlight
May/June 2026
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Ciara Anderson is a trial lawyer specializing in plaintiffs’ civil rights. Her practice focuses on police misconduct, school abuse, juvenile confinement, and prisoners’ rights.
Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee
Law School: University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Lives in: Denver
Works at: Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC
Practice Areas: Plaintiffs’ civil rights
Pronouns: She/her
Describe yourself in five words.
Thoughtful, kind, curious, hardworking, sarcastic.
What do you like the most about your practice area?
My clients. I often meet people during some of the darkest moments of their lives, and I’m constantly inspired by their strength, resilience, and determination to fight for justice. I also value the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are not only brilliant, but deeply committed to making a difference.
Please share a positive experience you’ve had as a lawyer.
One experience that comes to mind is getting an apology for a client. It stands out because my client felt heard, validated, and acknowledged in a way that would not have been possible in a courtroom. Securing significant financial results is important, but helping a client experience a sense of healing and closure is, to me, one of the most positive and impactful aspects of practicing law.
What advice do you have for new lawyers?
No matter how adversarial this profession can feel, you can almost always find at least one thing in common with the person across from you. Make a habit of looking for it. It helps you stay grounded, maintain perspective, and practice with empathy rather than ego. Law is about conflict, but it’s also about people. If you can consistently see the person behind the position, you’ll not only be a more effective advocate—you’ll build a more sustainable and meaningful career.
If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be:
A florist/greeting card shop owner.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sweets. All of them.
What’s your guilty TV pleasure?
I love Survivor, crime documentaries, and all reality TV (Love Island UK, Married at First Sight, Love is Blind, etc.).
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Dio Mio or El Camino.
Where do you go when you need fresh inspiration?
I became friends with a man named Anthony Gay, who spent over 20 years in solitary confinement and became a fierce advocate for abolishing solitary confinement after he was released. He sadly passed away in 2024, but a phone call or brainstorm with him inspired and energized me early in my career, and his memory and spirit continue to be a source of inspiration.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
Sign language.
Who knows you best?
My fiancé, Foster, and best friend, Autumn.
What’s your ideal superpower and why?
I would love to be able to move cars just a little bit for parallel parking. I would also love to be able to shrink people—imagine just shrinking a person at a concert or in a courtroom!
What do you daydream about?
Retirement.
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