Pilar Whitaker*

Pilar Whitaker is Senior Counsel for the Economic Justice Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. In this role, Pilar works to eradicate systemic barriers to economic mobility for communities of color by employing cutting-edge litigation strategies and engaging in advocacy and outreach. Pilar’s areas of focus include health equity, including access to reproductive and maternal healthcare; consumer protection, including challenging predatory and discriminatory lending practices; and employment discrimination, including on online platforms and in algorithmic decision-making.

Prior to joining the Committee, Pilar worked in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where she litigated high-stakes commercial and healthcare matters from inception through the appellate phase in state and federal courts. Pilar also maintained a robust pro bono practice assisting low-income individuals in housing, employment, and domestic disputes. Through that work, Pilar helped numerous pro bono clients acquire meaningful relief.

Pilar received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she served as Vice President of the Law Students for Social Justice and board member of Moot Court, and worked to increase African-American enrollment as a member of the Black Law Students Association. She also received her B.A. from UCLA, where she led efforts to increase admission rates for young students of color. Pilar also served as a Fellow in the California State Assembly, where she gained substantial experience in a number of high-impact policy areas.

Pilar is a California native with deep roots in Long Beach and Oakland. She is an avid world-traveler, and enjoys cooking, hiking, weight-training, and playing fetch with her beagle, Marley.

Bar Admissions: Admitted in Georgia only. Practice limited to matters before federal courts. Admitted to the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.