Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in registration statements No. 333-199508, No. 333-204076, No. 333-209961, No. 333-214431, No. 333-219763, No. 333-223254, No. 333-229861, No. 333-236704, No. 333-249976, No. 333-253734 and No. 333-259882 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 28, 2022, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2021.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Francisco, California

February 28, 2022