Bolin, 1st Black Female Judge, Dies at 98

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

A legal pioneer who broke new ground for women and African-Americans passed away Jan. 8 at the age of 98.

Jane Bolin, the first African-American woman to graduate from Yale Law School in 1931 - just 11 years after women gained the right to vote - served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the city Law Department from 1937 to 1939.

'She Was an Inspiration'

Former Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia then appointed her to the Domestic Relations Court, now known as Family Court, making her the first black female judge in the United States.

"Jane Bolin served as an inspiration to all," noted Corporation Counsel Michael A. Cardozo. "She achieved things unimaginable in an era when women and minorities had few opportunities. The Law Department is proud of her many accomplishments - and very proud that she worked with us in the 1930s. We can all learn from her many achievements."

In 1993, Judge Bolin received the Corporation Counsel's Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of her lifelong service to the people of New York.