June Carbone
June Carbone is a distinguished legal scholar and long-serving academic who currently serves as a Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a career in legal education spanning more than four decades, she has built a reputation as a leading voice in family law, gender equality, and the intersection of social policy and legal systems. Her academic journey began at Princeton University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Early in her career, she worked at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she distinguished herself by publishing legal scholarship even while in practice—an uncommon achievement at the time.
Carbone transitioned into academia in the early 1980s, discovering a deep affinity for teaching and intellectual inquiry. Over the years, she has held faculty positions at several prominent institutions, including Santa Clara University School of Law, where she served for nearly two decades, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she held an endowed chair before joining the University of Minnesota. Known for her engaging teaching style and ability to challenge students to think critically about complex legal issues, she has earned recognition as an influential educator who prepares students for both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the law.
In addition to her teaching, Carbone is a prolific author and thought leader whose work explores how economic inequality, cultural shifts, and gender roles shape modern family structures and legal frameworks. Her notable publications, including From Partners to Parents: The Second Revolution in Family Law, reflect an interdisciplinary approach that integrates law, economics, sociology, and feminist theory. Her scholarship often examines themes such as marriage inequality, women’s employment, and legal polarization in contemporary society. Through her research, writing, and public commentary, Carbone continues to contribute meaningfully to ongoing debates about social justice, family policy, and the evolving role of law in addressing inequality.
• Yale Law School - J.D.
• University of Minnesota Law School (faculty)
• U.S. Department of Justice (former attorney)
• George Mason and Santa Clara
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of the opportunities that emerged for my generation, the support of a strong and nurturing family, and academic strengths that allowed doors to open as institutions became more accessible. These factors together created a path where I could pursue my interests, excel in my studies, and take advantage of opportunities as they arose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that relationships are built on reciprocity, mutual trust, and a genuine exchange of value over time. True professional connections thrive when both parties invest in each other, offer support, and grow together.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay vigilant and always think about your next opportunity. Advancement often comes from the next job, not internal promotion, so build a strong network, seek mentors who have a genuine interest in your growth, and develop skills that are transferable across roles. Stay aware of workplace dynamics, know your boundaries, and be ready to reinvent yourself as opportunities arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Corporate America has changed dramatically, shifting from the era of lifelong employment and executive loyalty to what we now call the “tournament” – a highly competitive, insecure environment. Opportunities and success today depend on agility, adaptability, and the ability to continually reinvent yourself. Relationships built on trust and reciprocity, rather than dependence, are critical.
For women, these dynamics create both challenges and opportunities. Family obligations often intersect with career advancement, as women who have children can be perceived as less committed. Finding roles that provide flexibility during early parenting while positioning yourself for growth later is essential. Ultimately, navigating today’s corporate landscape requires strategic networking, resilience, and the foresight to align your career path with both your ambitions and life circumstances.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are justice, fairness, and equality of opportunity. I am deeply committed to addressing structural inequalities that disadvantage women and other marginalized groups, and to promoting gender equality and inclusion. Advocacy for social reform, respect for families, and supporting everyday life are also central to my approach. These principles are reflected in my work and writing, including Red Families v. Blue Families: Legal Polarization and the Creation of Culture, Fair Shake: Women and the Fight to Build a Just Economy, and Marriage Markets: How Inequality is Remaking the American Family.
Locations
University of Minnesota Law School
Minneapolis, MN 55455