Ata was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent his childhood growing up in both the United States and Turkey before moving to New Jersey at age 13. Later, at Rutgers University, Ata found he had an interest in political science and public policy. This interest was further sparked by a summer internship in Washington D.C. with former Congressman Dan Burton, and Ata graduated with a double major in History and Political Science. After graduation, he worked as an intern for the 2008 Obama campaign.
He studied in England and received a master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Cambridge before coming back and settling in D.C. Ata worked as a paralegal and translator before becoming a Trade Policy Analyst at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP. He also was involved in grassroots efforts with the Turkish-American community and served a stint as the President of the Turkish Policy Center. He is currently a Law Clerk in the trade group at White & Case LLP.
Ata is pursuing a law degree from Georgetown University, and his long-term goal is to continue working in international trade. He calls Bryce Harlow a role model for younger people pursuing careers in advocacy. “Those of us just entering the profession of advocacy could learn even today from the example of Mr. Harlow’s ethics and integrity,” Ata said.
