In 1951, Filipina lawyer Erlinda Arce Ignacio Espiritu made history as the first woman to earn a degree from Harvard Law School, and now, over 70 years later, Harvard is honoring her as one of its trailblazing women.
In an Instagram post, Harvard Law School introduced Espiritu to a new generation, celebrating her role in paving the way for future generations of women in law.
According to Harvard, her dream of becoming a lawyer was inspired by the Knights of the Round Table and their mission to defend the defenseless. Despite World War II and Japan’s occupation of the Philippines, she became one of the women lawyers in the country in 1947.
Four years later, she made history again as the first woman to receive a degree from Harvard Law School.
This isn’t the first time Harvard has honored her. At 82 in 2007, she returned to the school for the first time in 55 years as a guest of honor at a special dinner. There, she expressed gratitude for the education that shaped her career.
Harvard also recalled how recent graduates eagerly approached her table that night, not just to meet a legend but to thank her for the path she helped carve.
