Hubert Pair facts for kids

Hubert B. Pair (born April 14, 1904 – died June 14, 1988) was an important judge. He served on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. This court is the highest court for Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. Judge Pair made history in his legal career.

Early Life and Education

Hubert B. Pair was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. When he was a child, his family moved to Washington, D.C.. His father, Rev. James Pair, was a pastor there. He led the First Baptist Church in Brentwood.

Hubert Pair went to Howard University. He then earned his law degree from Terrell Law School. Both of these schools were for African Americans. This was during a time when schools in Washington were segregated. This meant black and white students went to separate schools.

While studying at night, Pair worked during the day. He was a messenger and a skilled worker. He worked at the Bureau of Customs. He also taught night classes at Terrell Law School. He continued teaching there until the school closed in 1951.

A Trailblazing Legal Career

In 1942, Hubert Pair joined the corporation counsel's office. This office provides legal advice to the D.C. government. He was the first black lawyer ever to work there. This was a big step forward for equality.

He worked at the corporation counsel's office for 28 years. He became the chief of the appellate staff. He also served as acting corporation counsel for a time. His co-workers respected him greatly. Future federal judge Oliver Gasch was one of them. Charles Duncan, who was the Corporation Counsel, called him "a very proper and old school lawyer."

During his time there, Judge Pair argued a case. He presented the District's side to the Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the entire country. However, the Supreme Court did not decide the case. They dismissed it instead.

Becoming a Judge

In 1970, Hubert Pair was 66 years old. President Nixon nominated him for a new judge position. This was on the D.C. Court of Appeals. His nomination was part of a special group. This group included six black judicial nominees.

According to Jet magazine, this was the largest number of African Americans ever nominated to be judges at one time. Another nominee was Theodore R. Newman Jr.. He later became a colleague of Pair's. The Senate approved Pair's nomination.

He served as an Associate Judge until 1974. At that time, he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. After this, he became a Senior Judge. This meant he could still hear cases part-time.

Community Involvement

Hubert Pair was also active in his community. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works for civil rights and racial equality.

He was also part of The Pigskin Club. This club supports local sports and community activities. He was a dedicated member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Washington. There, he served as a trustee. He also taught a Bible class for men.