My name is Kaiya Lyons (she/her). I am an accomplished attorney and social justice advocate based in Washington, DC. As a former performer, playwright, and director, I am passionate about bringing a creative lens to my legal work, as well as a justice-centered approach to my arts leadership.

I am the current senior legal counsel for the world’s largest plaintiff bar association, the American Association for Justice, where I manage an exceptionally active amicus curiae program and advocate for increased access to justice in federal and state courts nationwide, including the United States Supreme Court. I also monitor and respond to proposed amendments to rules governing civil and appellate practice in federal courts in order to promote justice, ensure fairness, and improve efficiency for all jurists and litigants.

Prior to joining AAJ, I served as the Civil Rights Litigation Fellow at Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC, representing victims of employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower retaliation. Working closely with these brave individuals, I observed how workplace injustices can severely impact one’s relationships, mental and physical health, and financial stability. I previously clerked for the Honorable Andrew R. Pearson, District Judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Minnesota. As a law clerk, I regularly reviewed and made recommendations on a variety of motions, attended oral arguments, hearings and trials, and wrote orders, bench memoranda, and jury instructions on a variety of criminal, civil, and family law issues, primarily involving domestic assault and criminal sexual misconduct.

My hands-on professional experiences deeply informed my understanding of how our legal system perpetuates trauma for those seeking justice. Working closely with individuals navigating the legal system after enduring profound harm showed me how traditional policies and perspectives often fail to account for the emotional and psychological realities survivors face.

These experiences led me to develop a groundbreaking, trauma-informed model policy to address discrimination, harassment, and misconduct in nonprofit theaters—spaces often seen as progressive and inclusive, yet where harmful behavior can go unchallenged. This framework draws on both my legal expertise and artistic background to help theaters create safer, more accountable, and more supportive environments for creative work. The policy has been adopted by several organizations in the DMV region, including Monumental Theatre Company, where I currently serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.

In my free time, I enjoy house managing at Studio Theatre and the Folger Shakespeare Library and hosting meticulously themed movie marathons from the Capitol Hill apartment I share with my sister, professional actor Sydne Lyons.