Niki Sotoodeh Reflects on her Ansari Fellowship Experience with the Superior Court of California
PAAIA’s 2025 Ansari Fellow, Niki Sotoodeh, is a law student at UC Berkeley School of Law. This summer, she interned at the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, under Judge Nahal Iravani-Sani, where she gained hands-on experience observing court proceedings, conducting legal research, and exploring the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. Below, she reflects on her internship and how the Ansari Fellowship supported her journey toward a career in criminal law and public service.
“This summer, I interned at the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, where I had the privilege of interning under Judge Nahal Iravani-Sani. My work was wide-ranging: I took notes and summarized court cases, conducted legal research, assisted with jury questionnaires, and contributed to ongoing projects in the courtroom. I also had the opportunity to help evaluate mental health diversion matters for another judge, which gave me a closer look at how the courts approach cases at the intersection of mental health and criminal justice.
I also gained the chance during my internship to move through different courtrooms. When I first started my internship, I was in the misdemeanor department and then subsequently transitioned to the felony department. Observing various hearings and trials provided me with a broad understanding of how judges oversee their courtrooms, apply legal criteria, and handle delicate matters with fairness and compassion. It was particularly enlightening to observe how the legal concepts I’ve learned at UC Berkeley materialize in real situations.
The Ansari Fellowship enabled me to further engage in this internship with total focus and dedication. They urged me to immerse myself in the experience, acquire practical legal knowledge, and consider how public service can help foster a more equitable and caring society.
Overall, this internship provided a remarkable experience that enhanced my ambition to pursue a career in criminal law and public service. I appreciate the Ansari Fellowship for its support this summer and for its efforts in allowing Iranian Americans to contribute to their communities!”
We thank Niki for her hard work and dedication this summer, and we look forward to supporting her continued growth and future contributions as a valued member of our CLP network.
