1936-2001
Rosalind Bressler was the first woman to be corporation counsel (the chief attorney) for the City of Newark, when she was sworn in, Oct 1984. Previously she’d been assistant corporation counsel from 1975. As assistant corporation counsel she focused on labor and employment issues, and contracts, and also worked with many different departments in City Hall. The Newark Human Rights Commission thanked her for her work for them in 1976.
Mayor Gibson said, “Bressler brings a vast amount of experience…She has not only been an excellent lawyer but has also worked with many organizations to make our society a better place in which to live.”
Rosalind served as counsel for the rest of Gibson’s term until 1986.
Born in Brooklyn, Rosalind attended Smith College, Boston University and Seton Hall.
Bibliography
“Women counsel a Newark first” Star Ledger Oct 23, 1984
“Bressler is appointed by Newark as first woman corporation counsel” Star Ledger Oct 7, 1984
“Mrs. Rosalind Bressler, 65, Attorney for the City of Newark” Star Ledger March 20, 2001
Human Rights Commission Annual Report, CFCNJIC, Newark Library