Vaino Spencer facts for kids

Vaino Hassan Spencer (born July 22, 1920 – died October 25, 2016) was an important American judge. She made history as the first African-American woman to become a judge in California. She also helped start two important groups: the Black Women Lawyers Association in 1975 and the National Association of Women Judges in 1979.

Early Life and Education

Vaino Hassan was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1920. When she was a teenager, she appeared as a dancer in a movie. It was a Laurel and Hardy film called Bonnie Scotland (1935). Her father, Abdul Hassan, was also in the movie.

She finished high school at Polytechnic High School in 1938. After that, she went to Los Angeles City College. She then studied law at Southwestern Law School, earning her law degree in 1952. Vaino Spencer was only the third African-American woman allowed to practice law in California. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked in real estate.

Judge Vaino Spencer's Career

Vaino Hassan Spencer worked as a lawyer in Los Angeles for several years. In 1961, she became a municipal court judge in Los Angeles. This made her the first Black woman in California to be appointed as a judge.

Later, in 1976, she became a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. This was a higher court. In 1980, she was named a Presiding Judge for the California Court of Appeal. This is one of the highest courts in California. She retired in 2007. She was known as "one of the longest-serving judges in California history."

Personal Life and Lasting Impact

Vaino Hassan married Lorenzo V. Spencer, who worked as a real estate agent. They later divorced in 1967.

Her legacy continues through the National Association of Women Judges. This group gives out the Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Award every year. It honors people who show great leadership, just like she did.

Vaino Spencer passed away on October 25, 2016, at her home in Los Angeles.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of first women lawyers and judges in California