Born: 1917 (New York City, NY)
Died: 2005
Biography:
Mercedes Deiz (December 13, 1917 – October 5, 2005) was an American lawyer who made significant contributions to the legal profession and broke barriers for women of color in Oregon. She became the first black woman to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar, and went on to become the first black woman to serve as a district court judge and the first to be elected as a county circuit court judge.
Mercedes Deiz, born Mercedes Francis Lopez, was the oldest of ten children and was born in New York City in 1917 to Czechoslovakian and Cuban parents. Growing up in a poor family, she attributed her intellectual development to her parents’ encouragement to spend time at the library and visit city museums. Her father played a significant role, instilling in his children the value of uniqueness and pushing them to be the best they could be. Deiz graduated from high school at the age of 16 and took on various jobs, including working as a maid, theater usher, switchboard operator, and ticket clerk. She attended Hunter College in New York City while working towards her law degree in the evenings at the Northwestern School of Law in Portland, Oregon.
Before pursuing her legal career, Deiz was involved with the Urban League and the NAACP in Portland due to her own experiences with discrimination in the workplace. In 1960, she made history by being admitted to the Oregon bar as the first black woman to achieve this honor. While some historical sources list Beatrice Morrow Cannady as the first black woman to practice law in Oregon, Cannady never passed the bar examination, failing five times.
During her legal career, Deiz worked as a litigator and also served as an administrative law judge for worker’s compensation disputes. In 1969, Governor Tom McCall appointed her as the first black female district court judge in Oregon, a milestone achievement in her career. Three years later, in 1972, Deiz made history again by becoming the first black woman to be elected as a County Circuit Court judge in Oregon, triumphing over seven male candidates.
Throughout her life, Deiz was committed to public service. In recognition of her contributions to the legal profession, Oregon Women Lawyers, an organization representing women and minorities in the legal field, initiated the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award in 1993. This award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting minorities in the legal profession and the community.
Judge Deiz was renowned for her dedication to mentoring young lawyers and had a significant impact on the career development of African-American lawyers between 1970 and 1992. Many African-American lawyers sought her guidance in her chambers, where she provided them with invaluable tutoring and support.
Mercedes Deiz passed away in 2005, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of breaking barriers and promoting diversity in the legal profession. Her contributions as the first black woman admitted to the Oregon State Bar, the first black female district court judge, and the first black woman elected as a county circuit court judge serve as an inspiration for future generations.
Awards:
– Judge Mercedes Deiz Award bestowed by Oregon Women Lawyers for her outstanding contributions to promoting minorities in the legal profession and the community.