Haley Taylor Schlitz, widely recognized as the youngest female—and notably the youngest Black woman—to graduate from law school in the U.S.
Haley Taylor Schlitz: Quick Facts
Youngest female law graduate in the United States: Graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law at just 19 years old—a historic milestone.
Youngest graduate in SMU Law history: Her graduation marked a record for SMU’s law school.
Youngest Black woman law graduate in the nation: This achievement made national headlines as she became the youngest Black female to earn a law degree in U.S. history.
Her Journey in Education
- Early Academic Beginnings
Homeschooled from fifth grade after being overlooked by public school gifted-and-talented programs.
Graduated high school at 13 years old.
- Undergraduate Success
Attended Tarrant County College before transferring to Texas Woman’s University (TWU).
Graduated from TWU at 16, earning the title of the youngest graduate in the university’s history.
- Law School Achievement
At age 16, accepted into nine different law schools. Chose SMU’s Dedman School of Law.
Completed law school and graduated at 19, becoming both SMU’s youngest law graduate and the youngest Black woman law graduate.
What She’s Doing Now
Professional focus: Aims to work in education policy and advocate for greater inclusion of girls and students of color in gifted and talented programs.
Advocacy: Vocal about ensuring equal recognition and opportunity for marginalized students, underscoring the broader societal cost when potential goes unrecognized.
Community Recognition
International accolade: Pure Grenada—Grenada’s Tourism Authority—honored her milestone achievement by awarding her an all-expenses-paid trip to the island.
In-Context Notes
While she is widely celebrated as the youngest female law graduate, it’s worth noting that some very young graduates historically (from other demographics or eras) may exist. However, Schlitz’s achievement is particularly notable due to her intersectional identity as a Black woman—making her accomplishment both groundbreaking and well-documented.
Summary Table
Stage Age Milestone
High School Graduation 13 Graduated from homeschooled education
Undergraduate Degree 16 Became youngest graduate at Texas Woman’s University
Law School Graduation 19 Became SMU Law’s youngest graduate and the youngest Black woman law graduate in U.S.
Bottom line: Haley Taylor Schlitz truly made history—not just as the youngest law school graduate from SMU, but as the youngest female (and specifically Black female) law school graduate in the United States.
