Lutie Lytle

Lutie Lytle was the third black woman to earn a law degree in the United States, the first black woman admitted to practice law in the states of Kansas and Tennessee, and in 1897, became one of the first female law instructors in the world. She held a deep love for the law and as the daughter of former slaves, understood intimately its powerful impact. “I like constitutional law because the anchor of my race is grounded on the constitution,” Lytle said. “It is the certificate of our liberty and our equality before the law. Our citizenship is based on it, and hence I love it.” She embraced her passion and used it to serve the black community for her entire legal career.

These women blazed a trail that was nearly unthinkable during their time. We are forever grateful for their contributions to the legal profession and our entire justice system. 

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