Inez C. Fields facts for kids

Inez C. Fields was a remarkable American lawyer from Hampton, Virginia. She made history as one of the first known African-American women to become a lawyer after her father, making her a "second-generation" lawyer. Her journey shows how important it was for people to break barriers in the legal field during her time.

A Trailblazing Legal Career

Inez C. Fields achieved many important milestones in her life. She was dedicated to her studies and her career in law.

Education and Early Achievements

Inez C. Fields studied law at Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1922. After finishing her studies, she took a big step in her career. On April 15, 1924, she became the second African-American woman ever allowed to practice law in Massachusetts. This permission is called being "admitted to the bar."

Returning to Virginia

Instead of staying in Massachusetts, Inez Fields decided to return to her hometown of Hampton, Virginia. There, she joined her father's law firm. This was a special moment, as she was following in his footsteps. On November 7, 1928, she was admitted to the Virginia bar. This made her the third African-American woman to practice law in Virginia. She joined two other pioneering women, Marian Poe and Bertha Douglass. Together, these three women were among the very few African-American women practicing law in Virginia between the late 1920s and the 1960s.

A Family Legacy in Law

Inez C. Fields came from a family with a strong connection to the legal profession. Her father was also a lawyer, which was quite rare for African-American families at the time.

Her Father, George Washington Fields

Inez C. Fields was the daughter of George Washington Fields. Her father was also a very accomplished lawyer. He graduated from Cornell University Law School in 1890. Sadly, he became blind in 1896, but he continued his legal work. George Washington Fields is believed to be the first African-American lawyer in Virginia whose child also became a lawyer. This made their family's contribution to the legal field truly unique.

Practicing Law Together

Inez Fields worked alongside her father in his law firm. They practiced law together until his death in 1932. After her father passed away, Inez continued to practice law on her own. She carried on their family's legacy of serving the community through the legal system. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of lawyers, especially for women and African-Americans.