After completing his undergraduate studies at Harvard, Pollak entered the United States Army in 1943, during World War II, serving until 1946.

After completing his clerkship, from 1949 to 1951, Pollak worked at the law firm now known as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Thereafter, Pollak worked as assistant counsel for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America.

Until his death, Pollak remained an adjunct member of the Penn Law faculty and taught there regularly.

He is now remembered especially for his work in major civil rights cases, including Gitlow v. New York and representation of the Scottsboro Boys.