1972

alumni

Longtime feminist activist Lynne Yates-Carter ’72, JD ’76 practiced family law for more than 40 years, abiding by the motto from storied community organizer Mother Jones, “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.” Born in Oakland, Calif., and adopted by Charles Merton Yates and Berenice Yates at birth, Lynne and her family moved to Santa Clara in 1952. She went to Santa Clara High School where she was the head majorette, editor of the school newspaper, and the co-valedictorian for her class. While attending Santa Clara University on scholarships, Lynne discovered the feminist movement and, upon graduating, resurrected the Monterey Chapter of the National Organization for Women and founded the Salinas Chapter of NOW. She graduated from the Santa Clara School of Law in 1976 and opened her first law office. In addition to litigation, Lynne served as a private judge and expert witness, taught classes, and was one of the authors of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and worked hard on the implementation of it in Santa Clara County. Lynne was a mentor to many young attorneys and always made time for them. She died on May 4, 2020, at the age of 70, and is survived by her son, Alex Yates Carter; her best friend of over 39 years, Alice Chastain; as well as grandgodsons, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends.

02 Jun 2020