Oral History Project
Interview: Attorney Yasmin Cader (Spring 2026)
By: Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
April 10, 2026
An oral history interview with attorney Yasmin Cader, conducted by Michigan Law 2L Ku’Juana Quinn on April 10, 2026. In this interview, civil rights lawyer Yasmin Cader discusses her background and path to her current role as the Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU and Director of its Trone Center for Justice and Equality. She highlights her early legal experiences including her work as a public defender and at the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and reflects on her current role.
Interview Summary
In this interview, attorney Yasmin Cader discusses her background and path to her current role as the Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU and Director of its Trone Center for Justice and Equality. She highlights her early legal experiences including her work as a public defender and at the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, including the United States v. City of Torrance lawsuit alleging that the City fire department's recruitment, testing, and promotion practices had a disparate impact on women and minorities in violation of Title VII. She offers reflections on what it means to provide meaningful representation in various contexts, the mentors that have shaped her, and advice for aspiring civil rights lawyers.
View the full interview with Yasmin Cader:
Publications/Resources
By: Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
April 10, 2026
By: Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
April 10, 2026
Contents: Clearinghouse Oral History Project Interview with Attorney Yasmin Cader (Spring 2026)
[0:00-3:02] Introduction and Origin Story
[3:02-6:23] Educational Background (Howard University and Yale Law School)
[6:23-13:32] Early Legal Experiences
[13:32–22:33] Career Highlights, Including Work at DOJ Civil Rights Division and as a Public Defender
[22:33–32:50] United States v. City of Torrance
[32:50-37:49] The Importance of Representation and Human Impact
[37:49-51:38] Current Role as Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU and Director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality
[51:38-58:24] Final Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Civil Rights Lawyers
Full Video
