Barbara Aronstein Black, Trailblazing Law School Dean, Passes Away at 92
Barbara Aronstein Black, a pioneering figure in legal education, passed away at the age of 92 in Philadelphia. She made history as the first woman to lead an Ivy League law school, serving as dean of Columbia Law School from 1986 to 1991.
Significant Achievements
During her deanship, Black implemented numerous reforms that reshaped the law school’s culture. She played a crucial role in:
- Enhancing the corporate law program
- Revamping the academic curriculum
- Incorporating a more diverse faculty
- Introducing a maternity leave policy
- Establishing a part-time program for mothers
Her tenure marked a significant turn in the law school’s reputation, moving away from its previously rigid and competitive environment.
Trailblazer for Women in Law
Black’s achievements were especially impactful given the gender dynamics of the time. She noted that while progress would have occurred eventually, her presence as a female dean expedited changes within the institution.
Her influence paved the way for Elena Kagan, who became the next woman to lead a prestigious law school as dean of Harvard Law School 17 years later.
Early Life and Career Path
Born on May 6, 1933, in Brooklyn, Black graduated from Brooklyn College in 1953. She entered Columbia Law School, where only 15 percent of her classmates were women. After completing her law degree in 1955, she took a brief hiatus from academia to raise her family.
Returning to her academic pursuits, she earned a Ph.D. in history from Yale in 1975 and began teaching there. By 1984, she was appointed to the Columbia Law faculty.
Legacy and Lifelong Learning
Black’s leadership style was characterized by humility and humor. She often reflected on her unconventional journey to success and encouraged others to be patient with their personal and professional development.
After stepping down as dean in 1991, she continued teaching, research, and writing until her retirement in 2008. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the legal field.
