Michael Pernick is Redistricting Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Michael uses litigation, advocacy, and public education strategies to advance racial justice in voting, with a particular focus on redistricting. Michael regularly investigates and litigates voting rights and redistricting violations across the country. Michael frequently testifies before state legislatures and speaks to the press on a wide range of voting rights issues. Michael has been instrumental in developing and advocating for state voting rights acts, including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, which was signed into law in 2021. Michael has led numerous election protection programs across the country, including LDF’s election protection work in Florida and Georgia in recent elections.
Prior to joining LDF, Michael was a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he maintained an active voting rights practice. Michael has also served on the Nassau County Board of Ethics, on the Nassau County Temporary Districting Advisory Commission, and on the Board of Directors of the Adult Congenital Heart Association.
Michael is a graduate of New York University School of Law and Wesleyan University. Michael is a member of the New York State Bar.
