Jacob Spiegel

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Spiegel attended The English High School, and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1922.[1] In 1936, Spiegel worked for the Senate campaign of Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., and later became Lodge's legislative secretary.[1]

In 1939, Spiegel became a Boston Municipal Court Special Justice,[2] appointed to that office by Governor Leverett Saltonstall.[1]

Prior to his appointment to the state supreme court, Spiegel was a personal attorney to Governor Furcolo.[2] Spiegel was the first Jewish justice to serve on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court,[3] and became known as a champion for civil rights on the court, writing decisions that "led the way against racial discrimination in housing".[1] In one decision, he opined that "discrimination based on the hope of monetary gain and not upon a personal prejudice is ever more reprehensible".[1] Spiegel resigned from the court upon reaching the statutory age limit.[1]

In August 1941, Spiegel married Peggy Schwarz of Beverly Hills, California, whom Spiegel had met while travelling aboard the SS America the previous year.[4] They had one child, a daughter, named Lynne Spiegel born February 28, 1949, now living in San Clemente, CA.[1] Spiegel died in Brookline, Massachusetts, at the age of 83.[1]