Juanita Jackson Mitchell: Maryland’s First Black Woman Attorney

Juanita Jackson Mitchell is honored by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter as part of its Black History Month celebration, recognizing her historic achievement as the first Black woman admitted to practice law in Maryland. A fearless civil rights advocate and legal trailblazer, Mitchell devoted her life to dismantling segregation, expanding voting rights, and advancing racial justice through both community activism and courtroom advocacy.

Born in 1913 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mitchell spent most of her childhood in Baltimore and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. She went on to earn degrees from the University of Pennsylvania before breaking barriers at the University of Maryland School of Law, where she became its first Black female graduate in 1950. That same year, she was sworn in as Maryland’s first Black woman attorney.

As we reflect on Black History Month, the FBA Maryland Chapter proudly celebrates Juanita Jackson Mitchell for her bold leadership and enduring impact on Maryland’s legal and civil rights landscape.

Early Education, Civil Rights Engagement, and Legal Breakthroughs

Juanita Jackson Mitchell built her early academic and civil rights foundation in Baltimore, where she attended Frederick Douglass High School before studying at Morgan State College and later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Arts in sociology, graduating cum laude. During her time in school, Mitchell became deeply involved in civil rights activism, working with the NAACP’s youth division and organizing local campaigns that targeted racial inequality.

One of her early efforts included leading voter registration drives and orchestrating a march on Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, to protest discrimination. Her commitment to systemic change led her toward the law as a pathway to lasting impact. However, when she sought to attend law school, the University of Maryland School of Law was still refusing to fully integrate, despite the 1936 court ruling in Murray v. Pearson that struck down its segregationist admissions policy.

It wasn’t until 1950 that Mitchell broke through those barriers, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Maryland School of Law. Her admission to the Maryland Bar later that year made her a legal pioneer in a profession and state where Black women had previously been excluded.

Civil Rights Litigation and Public Service Legacy

Throughout her legal career, Juanita Jackson Mitchell dedicated herself to the fight against segregation and inequality in Maryland. Working closely with the NAACP, she led significant legal efforts to desegregate public spaces, including Maryland state parks and public schools. In the wake of Brown v. Board of Education, Mitchell played a key role in ensuring that Maryland became the first southern state to comply with the Supreme Court’s desegregation mandate. This accomplishment highlighted both her legal skill and her political influence.

Her leadership extended beyond the courtroom. As head of the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP, Mitchell guided civil rights strategy across the state. He collaborated with local activists to protect voting rights, improve education, and strengthen police-community relations. She held multiple appointments to federal and regional advisory bodies, including positions under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She co-chaired the Mayor of Baltimore’s Task Force on Police-Community Relations.

Mitchell’s work helped to define Maryland’s civil rights era and positioned her as a bridge between grassroots advocacy and institutional reform. Her legal victories were not just symbolic—they had tangible effects on the daily lives of Marylanders, opening doors to opportunity, safety, and equality.

Family Legacy and Continued Community Impact

The life and legacy of Juanita Jackson Mitchell are inextricably linked with her family’s deep involvement in civil rights and public service. She was married to Clarence Mitchell, Jr., the longtime NAACP chief lobbyist who played a vital role in securing the passage of landmark civil rights legislation during the 1960s. The Baltimore City Circuit Court is now named in his honor—a tribute to his decades of legal advocacy in Washington, D.C. Yet Juanita’s contributions were equally deserving of recognition, as her legal work formed the foundation of many victories in Maryland itself.

Their children and grandchildren have carried on the Mitchell family’s legacy through involvement in Maryland politics, law, and community leadership. The name “Mitchell” continues to resonate across Baltimore and throughout the state as a symbol of public service and civil rights commitment.

Even after her passing in 1992, Mitchell’s influence lives on. Her former law office in the Marble Hill/Upton neighborhood of Baltimore is now being renovated to house ROAR (Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise), a survivor advocacy organization. This transformation reflects Mitchell’s lifelong dedication to empowering the underserved and protecting those most vulnerable to systemic injustice.

Honoring Juanita Jackson Mitchell During Black History Month

Juanita Jackson Mitchell was more than the first Black woman attorney in Maryland—she was a catalyst for change who helped reshape the legal and social landscape of her state and beyond. Through her groundbreaking admission to the bar, landmark desegregation litigation, and tireless advocacy within the NAACP, she created a model of legal leadership rooted in service, resilience, and justice.

Mitchell’s work challenged the status quo, expanded civil rights for future generations, and laid critical groundwork for the inclusion of women—and particularly Black women—in the legal profession. Her voice, activism, and leadership remain vital parts of Maryland’s legal heritage.

The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter proudly celebrates Juanita Jackson Mitchell as part of its Black History Month spotlight. To learn more about the legacy of civil rights trailblazers and stay updated on events honoring their impact, visit the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter events page.