In celebration of Women’s History Month, a series has been launched to highlight the achievements of first female law deans. Among these pioneering legal intellectuals, Heather Gerken stands out in her distinct role as the inaugural female dean of Yale Law School. Gerken reached this noteworthy milestone on July 1, 2017, setting a precedent for women in leadership within the legal community.
Gerken’s appointment was widely acknowledged within the corridors of Yale Law School. From her interview with Law.com, she shared her overwhelming sense of acceptance from her peers, many of them being senior male alumni. According to Gerken, their sentiments resonated with the ideation, ‘It’s about time.’
Read more about Gerken’s groundbreaking path to leadership here.