194. Preserving Democracy: The Lawyers’ Committee and Shaylyn Cochran on Voting Rights, Redistricting, DEI & Civil Rights Impact Litigation

Attorney Shaylyn Cochran, Deputy Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, joins Angela Reddock-Wright for a timely conversation about today’s front-line battles in civil rights, class action litigation, and voting rights protection. Cochran brings decades of experience—from her early days as a journalist passionate about social justice, to her years with the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division under President Joe Biden, and now helping provide leadership to voting rights and civil rights impact litigation and policy at one of the nation’s most prominent advocacy organizations. In this episode, she breaks down the unprecedented threats facing democracy, racial equity, the rule of law in 2025, and how the Lawyers’ Committee is responding with courtroom wins, legislative advocacy, and grassroots voter protection efforts.Listeners will learn about major ongoing cases—challenging racially discriminatory redistricting in Texas, supporting women in trades affected by DEI rollbacks, and more—alongside the organization’s three-pronged approach: impact litigation and class actions), policy work, and community organizing. Cochran also addresses the future of the Voting Rights Act, the challenges facing DOJ and democracy, and the importance of coalition-building and resilience.Key Topics Covered: Shaylyn Cochran’s path from journalism to legal advocacy in civil rights litigationThe founding and mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under LawThe three-pronged strategy: litigation, policy solutions, and voter protection/community outreachThe threat to the Voting Rights Act and ongoing Supreme Court casesPartnership with NAACP, law firms, and grassroots organizations for coalition impactThe enduring power of hope, resilience, and collective action 🔗 Connect with Angela: InstagramFacebookLinkedInVisit Angela's Website