Washington, D.C. – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is proud to announce the appointment of three key leaders to advance the organization’s mission of protecting civil rights and racial justice. Monica Woods has joined as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Robert Weiner has been named the new Director of the Voting Rights Project (VRP), and Michael Pillera has assumed the role of Director of the Educational Opportunities Project (EOP).
These appointments come at a critical moment as the Lawyers’ Committee continues to lead the fight against voter suppression, educational inequity, and systemic injustices that disproportionately impact Black people and communities of color.
Monica Woods, Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Monica Woods will oversee internal operations, ensuring the organization has the infrastructure, systems, and strategic support needed to expand its impact. She brings extensive executive experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors, leading operational excellence and organizational optimization. Most recently, she completed an appointment as the chief of staff at the National Archives and Records Administration.
Prior to that role, she served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer at The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund. Monica holds a master’s degree in public administration from American University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Spelman College.
“The Lawyers’ Committee’s mission is central to my core values. I’m thrilled to return to social impact work that is anchored in fighting for civil rights and equitable opportunities for Black people and all communities of color. This work advances the ideals of our American democracy,” said Woods.
Robert Weiner, Director of the Voting Rights Project
A veteran litigator and civil rights advocate, Robert Weiner brings an extraordinary depth of experience to the Voting Rights Project. Rob began his legal career clerking for Judge Henry Friendly on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then for Justice Thurgood Marshall on the U.S. Supreme Court.
For over four decades, he worked at Arnold & Porter, including as head of the firm’s Litigation Group. His distinguished public service includes roles as Senior Counsel in the White House (1997-98) and Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department (2010-12), where he oversaw the defense of the Affordable Care Act. Most recently, he served as Senior Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, tackling issues including voting rights, hate crimes, police misconduct, reproductive rights, antisemitism, and education.
“The Lawyers’ Committee is a premier advocate and defender of voting rights. The Lawyers’ Committee is dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of equal access to the polls, a key prerequisite for all our other rights. I am excited to join such talented, committed, and steadfast colleagues in carrying forward this critical fight,” said Weiner.
Michael Pillera, Director of the Educational Opportunities Project
Michael Pillera brings extensive experience in civil rights enforcement and policy, education equity, and racial justice to his new role as Director of the Educational Opportunities Project.
Michael previously served as a Senior Civil Rights Attorney in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), where he investigated and resolved civil rights violations in desegregation, racial discrimination in special education, discriminatory discipline, and resource equity. His work included drafting policy, reviewing proposed legislation and Executive Orders, and contributing to critical federal guidance documents on race, school diversity, and discrimination in education.
Prior to OCR, Michael served as a Supervisory Asylum Officer at the Los Angeles Asylum Office, overseeing asylum officers handling complex asylum cases. He began his legal career in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program, drafting judicial decisions on asylum, withholding of removal, and complex immigration cases.
“I am truly grateful to be part of the outstanding Educational Opportunities Project team at the Lawyers’ Committee—it is a tremendous privilege to continue focusing all of my energy on educational civil rights work. Ensuring educational opportunity for Black students and other students of color is essential to the functioning of our country and our democracy,” said Pillera.
A Growing Leadership Team for a Critical Mission
Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee welcomed the new leaders, emphasizing the importance of their roles:
“These fabulous new additions strengthen our organization at a crucial time in the fight for civil rights,” said Hewitt.“With their deep experience, leadership, and passion, we are better positioned to challenge attacks on racial justice, protect voting rights, and fight for educational equity. I am thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
For more information on the Lawyers’ Committee’s work, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.
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About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, established in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that fights for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education. The organization’s work focuses on protecting voting rights, advancing economic justice, ensuring equal educational opportunities, and combating racial discrimination in all its forms.
