Trailblazing Woman in Law: Jane Bolin © Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese, Esquire

As a lady lawyer in Florida, I enjoy balancing legal expertise with a flair for adventure, especially on my international travels.

Today, I want to highlight Jane Bolin—a pioneer whose story is as inspiring as it is groundbreaking. Her journey reminds us that courage and determination can reshape the legal landscape.

“Everyone else makes a fuss about it, but I didn’t think about it, and I still don’t. I wasn’t concerned about first, second, or last. My work was my primary concern.”

—Jane Bolin

This quote from Jane Bolin encapsulates her humility and relentless focus on justice. Born in 1908, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Bolin grew up in a family that valued education and civic duty. Her father was a lawyer—a rarity for African Americans at the time—and her mother instilled in her a love for learning before passing away when Jane was young.

Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Bolin excelled academically. She graduated from Wellesley College as one of only two Black students in her class and later became the first Black woman to earn a law degree from Yale Law School in 1931. Her achievements did not stop there; she shattered glass ceilings throughout her career.

The First Black Female Judge

In 1939, at just 31 years old, Bolin was appointed to the Domestic Relations Court (now Family Court) in New York City by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia (yes, it is the NY airport name, still now in 2025). This made her the first Black female judge in the United States. For the next 40 years, she served with distinction, advocating for children and families while dismantling discriminatory practices.

Bolin’s reforms included ending the assignment of probation officers based on race and ensuring that publicly funded childcare agencies accepted all children regardless of ethnicity. She also worked closely with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to support juvenile justice initiatives like the Wiltwyck School for Boys.

A Legacy of Quiet Strength

What makes Jane Bolin’s story so compelling is her quiet strength. She did not seek accolades or recognition; she simply wanted to make the legal system fair for everyone. Her work laid the foundation for future generations of women and minorities in law.

Her humility shines through in her refusal to dwell on being “first.” For Bolin, it was never about personal glory but about creating meaningful change. She retired in 1978 after reaching the mandatory retirement age but continued to inspire others until her death in 2007.

Why Jane Bolin Matters Today

As a modern woman lawyer, I owe much to trailblazers like Bolin. Her story reminds us all that progress often comes from persistence and dedication rather than fanfare. Whether I am drafting wills or helping someone buy a house in sunny Florida, Bolin’s legacy serves as a beacon of determination.

Fun Fact

Did you know that Bolin worked alongside Eleanor Roosevelt? Imagine discussing juvenile justice over tea with one of history’s most iconic First Ladies!

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