Michael C. Pope, Esq.

Executive Director

Mike began his legal career in 2010 as Youth Represent first Staff Attorney. Driven by an unyielding passion for youth justice, a deep commitment to Youth Represent's powerful mission, and the privilege of collaborating with a remarkable group of dedicated, brilliant, and compassionate colleagues, Mike's has remained at Youth Represent ever since.

In 2012, Mike was promoted to the role of Director of Community Partnerships, helping to build the organization's innovative Community Partnership model. In 2015, Mike assumed the role of Legal Director, serving to lead Youth Represent's groundbreaking Systemic Litigation Practice. This model has resulted in a paradigm shift in New York’s hiring landscape, helping to facilitate the redistribution of millions of dollars to those adversely affected by unlawful corporate practices. In 2019, Mike was promoted to Executive Director, where he continues to focus his time, energy, and passion towards building a powerful, courageous, and impactful organization.

Mike speaks often on nonprofit management, organizational leadership, criminal record class action and employment litigation, and strategies for using systemic tools to advance human and civil rights.

Most importantly, Mike finds profound joy as a husband and father to two extraordinary children, Evelyn and Daxton. This Seattle transplant turned Brooklynite embraces a philosophy that life is simply too precious to tolerate insipid coffee, subpar wine, or uninspiring movies.

Mike (secretly) loves the rain, running marathons, and bikes across the Brooklyn Bridge to work nearly every day.

Cases of Note: Matter of Boone v. New York City Dept. of Educ., 53 Misc. 3d 380 (published NY Law Journal), Kelly v. Brooklyn Events Center, LLC et al., No. 17 Civ. 4600 (E.D.N.Y.) (securing organizational class action certification), People v. Ferreyra, Case No. 05936N-2002, NY Crim. Ct., Aguilera et al v. Uber Technologies, Inc. (Index No.: 509275/2023).

email: mpope@youthrepresent.org