Arezou Bakhtjou

Arezou Bakhtjou, founder of ArezouLaw, is an Iranian American attorney with a unique blend of scientific training and legal expertise. As a crime victim who was systemically failed by institutions entrusted with public safety, Arezou has founded Your Defender, an initiative dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and confronting systemic biases within the justice system. Its broader arm, the Your Defenders Alliance (YDA), works to hold law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and city and county officials accountable through oversight, audits, and transparency-driven change. For years, Arezou worked as an indigent defense lawyer. Arezou holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Juris Doctor and is fluent in English and Farsi. Beyond her legal practice, Arezou is deeply engaged in legislative advocacy, championing policies that strengthen protections for victims and vulnerable communities. As a legal and investigative journalist, she analyzes and reports on critical developments in criminal justice, exposing discretionary practices and inequities that often remain hidden from the public. A recognized Continuing Legal Education of the bar (CLE) speaker, Arezou presents on topics including legal ethics and bias. Drawing from her courtroom experience, leadership roles in statewide organizations, and academic background, Arezou works to make these complex issues accessible and actionable for attorneys, judges, and policymakers. Arezou’s commitment to public service and the legal profession is reflected in her extensive leadership experience. She served two terms on the Board of Governors and the Legislative Committee of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. She co-founded, co-chaired and served on the Executive Board of the Alameda County Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section. Arezou has served two terms on the Alameda County Judicial Appointments Evaluation Committee, working with the California Governor’s Office to evaluate judicial candidates.