In 2021, it is more important than ever to recognize the contributions of female lawyers who have shaped American history. From the suffragettes of the early 1900s to the modern-day Supreme Court justices, female lawyers have made a significant impact on the legal system in the United States. Here are 10 trailblazing female lawyers who have left their mark on American history.
Lettie Burlingame was one of the first female lawyers in the United States. She was admitted to the bar in 1872 and became the first female lawyer to practice in the state of New York. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Married Women’s Property Act of 1873.
Lyda Burton Conley was the first Native American woman to practice law in the United States. She was admitted to the bar in 1907 and became the first female lawyer to practice in the state of Kansas. She was a champion of Native American rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
Genevieve Rose Cline was the first female judge in the United States. She was appointed to the bench in 1921 and served as a judge in the Ohio Supreme Court for nearly 30 years. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972.
Sarah Tilghman Hughes was the first female federal judge in the United States. She was appointed to the bench in 1961 and served as a judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for nearly 25 years. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Sarah Weddington was the first female lawyer to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. She argued the landmark case of Roe v. Wade in 1973 and was instrumental in the passage of the landmark decision that legalized abortion in the United States.
Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female Supreme Court justice in the United States. She was appointed to the bench in 1981 and served as a justice for nearly 25 years. She was a strong advocate for judicial restraint and was instrumental in the passage of several landmark decisions, including the ruling in Bush v. Gore in 2000.
Janet Reno was the first female Attorney General in the United States. She was appointed to the position in 1993 and served as the Attorney General for nearly eight years. She was a strong advocate for law enforcement and was instrumental in the passage of several landmark laws, including the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female Supreme Court justice in the United States. She was appointed to the bench in 1993 and served as a justice for nearly 27 years. She was a strong advocate for gender equality and was instrumental in the passage of several landmark decisions, including the ruling in United States v. Virginia in 1996.
These trailblazing female lawyers have left an indelible mark on American history. From the suffragettes of the early 1900s to the modern-day Supreme Court justices, these women have shaped the legal system in the United States and have helped to create a more equitable society. They are a reminder of the power of women and their ability to make a difference in the world.
