Bio
Masami T. Kanegae (she/her) joined the ACLU of Utah as a Staff Attorney in September 2025, although her journey with the ACLU began in 2018.
Masami originally joined the ACLU of Utah as an intern in 2018, sparking an enduring relationship with the organization and its mission. She returned as a Policy Analyst in 2019, a program Manager in 2020, and has finally made her way back as a Staff Attorney in 2025. Originally from Salt Lake City, Masami earned her B.S. from the University of Utah, where she studied psychology, sociology, and criminology & corrections. She began her career as an investigator in the private sector before taking the leap to attend law school at the University of Alabama School of Law. There, Masami was a Dean’s Scholar, Law School Ambassador, and 2023 Justice John Paul Steven’s Fellow.
During law school, Masami demonstrated her commitment to public service, working in her law school’s criminal defense clinic, two state public defender offices, the office of the Federal Defender for the Northern District of Alabama, and a legislative advocacy non-profit. Masami earned a Certificate in Public Interest Law and was awarded the Order of the Samaritan, the Pro Bono Excellence Award, the Student Pro Bono Award, and the Dean’s Community Service Award.
Outside of work, Masami enjoys painting, learning new trade skills, and spending time outdoors.