Jane Bolin

Jane Bolin was the first black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, and in 1939 she became the first black female judge in the country – she served as a judge in New York Family Court for more than forty years. She was also the first black woman to work as an attorney for the New York Law Department, and likewise, to join the New York City Bar Association.

As these trailblazers illustrate, Black attorneys have been fundamental in advancing both the legal profession and the causes of justice and equality, for centuries. Today more than ever, it is urgent for law firms to recognize and advance the Black attorneys in their ranks, and put their resources towards ensuring that the legal profession reflects the nation at large.

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1. Celebrating Black History Month: Five Black Female Lawyers Who Forever Changed the Game
2. The Benefits of Diversity in the Legal Profession
3. Advocating for Political Activists On the Streets and in the Courtroom

This article was originally published on February 28, 2019