William B. Gould IV facts for kids

William B. Gould IV is a well-known American lawyer and professor. He was the first Black professor at Stanford Law School. He also held an important job helping workers and businesses in the United States.

Who is William B. Gould IV?

William B. Gould IV, born on July 16, 1936, is a very respected American lawyer. He is currently a professor at Stanford Law School, which is a famous university. He made history by becoming the first Black professor to teach law at Stanford.

Early Life and Education

William B. Gould IV was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a town called Long Branch, New Jersey. He went to college at the University of Rhode Island. After that, he studied law at Cornell Law School. These schools helped him prepare for his important career.

A Career in Law and Public Service

Mr. Gould has had a long and successful career. He worked as the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from 1994 to 1998. The NLRB is a government agency. It helps make sure that workers and companies follow rules about jobs and unions.

Helping End the Baseball Strike

One of his big achievements at the NLRB was helping to end the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike. This was a time when professional baseball players stopped playing. Mr. Gould played a key role in helping the players and team owners agree. This allowed baseball games to start again.

Family and Legacy

William B. Gould IV is also known for his family history. He helped publish the diary of his great-grandfather, also named William B. Gould. His great-grandfather was an escaped slave. He bravely served in the Union Navy during the United States Civil War. William B. Gould IV is married to Hilda. They have three sons: William V, Timothy, and Edward.