Paulette Brown facts for kids

Paulette Brown is a very important American lawyer. She made history when she became the president of a big group called the American Bar Association. This group is for lawyers all across America. She was the first woman of color and the third African-American person to lead this organization.

Who is Paulette Brown?

Paulette Brown was the president of the American Bar Association for one year. Her term was from August 2015 to August 2016. She was chosen for this important role in August 2014. Her selection was a big moment. She became the first woman of color to be president of the ABA. She was also the third African-American person to hold this position.

A Leader in Law

Paulette Brown is a partner at a law firm called Locke Lord LLP. She also works as their chief diversity officer. This means she helps make sure everyone at the company is treated fairly. She also helps people solve problems without going to court. She does this as a mediator for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Before leading the American Bar Association, Paulette Brown led other important groups. She was the president of the National Bar Association. She also led the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey.

Early Life and Education

Paulette Brown grew up in Baltimore. When she was a child, she went to segregated schools. This meant schools were separated by race, which was unfair. She later went to Howard University and earned a bachelor's degree. She then studied law at Seton Hall University School of Law. She earned her law degree there. Paulette Brown started her career as a lawyer in 1976.

Her Career Path

Paulette Brown has had many different roles in her law career. She worked as a judge in Plainfield, New Jersey. She was a municipal court judge there. This means she handled local town legal issues. She also worked as a lawyer for several companies. This is called being "in-house counsel." She also worked at a law firm called Duane Morris.