Women’s History Month presents the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the trailblazing women who defied societal expectations and carved a path for future generations within the legal profession. While their journeys were often met with significant obstacles, these women shattered barriers and achieved remarkable milestones.
Below we will celebrate some of the most important figures in the history of law…
Historical Women in Law
Arabella Mansfield: In 1869, Arabella Mansfield became the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States. Born in Iowa, she independently studied law and challenged an Iowa statute that limited bar admission to men. Mansfield passed the bar exam with impressive results and paved the way for countless women to pursue legal careers.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Known affectionately as the “Notorious RBG,” Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an undeniable legal icon. As a student at Harvard and Columbia Law Schools in the 1950s, she encountered profound gender discrimination, facing obstacles many of her male peers could not have imagined. Determined to challenge gender-based inequities, Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU in the 1970s. She tirelessly litigated numerous landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, systematically dismantling laws that discriminated on the basis of sex. In 1993, President Clinton appointed Justice Ginsburg to the Supreme Court, where she became a powerful voice for equality, a champion of civil liberties, and a pop culture phenomenon later in her life.
Belva Ann Lockwood: A true champion of women’s rights, Belva Ann Lockwood became the first woman to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court in 1879. A vocal advocate for suffrage and equality, she faced immense discrimination when denied admission to law school due to her gender. Undeterred, she lobbied Congress and earned her law degree and eventually ran for president of the United States twice.
Charlotte E. Ray: Charlotte E. Ray made history as the first African American female lawyer in the United States in 1872. After graduating from Howard University School of Law, she faced discrimination on multiple fronts: race and gender. Despite setbacks, Ray established a private practice, focusing on commercial law.
Florence Ellinwood Allen: In 1922, Florence Ellinwood Allen became the first woman elected to a state supreme court (Ohio). Later, she was appointed by President Roosevelt to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, becoming the first woman federal appellate judge. Allen was a staunch advocate for judicial reform and throughout her distinguished career, promoted women’s rights.
Constance Baker Motley: A pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Constance Baker Motley played a crucial role in landmark cases including Brown v. Board of Education. Joining the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, she became their first female attorney, arguing numerous significant desegregation cases. In 1966, she made history as the first Black woman appointed as a federal judge.
Women Practicing Law Today
Not only is it important to celebrate the amazing women that have created a path for us, but also to celebrate the fantastic women that practice law today. There are so many amazing women that continue to improve the field of law and help those most in need to receive the justice they deserve.
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