The history of women in law is a testament to their perseverance and courage in the face of significant obstacles. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women like Belva Lockwood, the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, and Myra Bradwell, who fought for the right to practice law in Illinois, laid the groundwork for future female lawyers. Their efforts challenged societal norms and legal restrictions, opening doors for women to enter and excel in the legal profession.

The mid-20th century saw more women entering law schools and becoming practicing attorneys. Trailblazers such as Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality through her work as a lawyer and later as a Supreme Court Justice, became icons of progress and inspiration.

In recent decades, the number of women in law has continued to grow, and their impact has expanded across various legal sectors. Women now hold prominent positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, academia, and the judiciary. Despite these advancements, challenges such as gender bias, work-life balance issues, and underrepresentation in senior roles persist, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to support and empower women in law.

Trailblazers in Women's Legal History

Belva Lockwood: First Woman to Argue Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Belva Lockwood was a true pioneer in the legal profession. In 1879, she became the first woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court after tirelessly lobbying Congress to pass a bill allowing female attorneys to practice in federal courts. Lockwood's tenacity and skill in the courtroom helped dismantle barriers for women in law. She also ran for President of the United States twice, making her one of the first women to campaign for the highest office in the land, further demonstrating her commitment to equality and justice.

Lockwood's successful advocacy for women's right to practice law in federal courts opened the doors for future generations of female attorneys. Her persistence in the face of societal and institutional resistance set a powerful example of resilience and determination.

Sandra Day O'Connor: First Female Supreme Court Justice

Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor broke new ground as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her pragmatic approach to decision-making and her ability to build consensus made her a pivotal figure on the Court. O'Connor's tenure was marked by significant rulings on issues such as abortion, affirmative action, and states' rights, where she often served as a crucial swing vote. Her legacy includes promoting judicial independence and civics education, impacting the judiciary and public understanding of the law.

O'Connor's appointment to the Supreme Court was a monumental step forward for gender representation in the judiciary. Her influential decisions and ability to navigate the complexities of the Court demonstrated the vital role that women play in shaping legal precedents. O'Connor's legacy continues to inspire women to seek leadership roles within the legal system.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Contributions to Gender Equality and Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, affectionately known as RBG, was a towering figure in the fight for gender equality. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court in 1993, Ginsburg was a formidable advocate for women's rights, co-founding the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Her legal strategy focused on demonstrating that gender discrimination harms both men and women, leading to landmark victories that challenged entrenched stereotypes. As a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg continued to champion equal rights, becoming a cultural icon for her steadfast commitment to justice.

Ginsburg's groundbreaking work in gender equality has transformed the legal landscape, ensuring greater protection against discrimination for all genders. Her strategic litigation and thoughtful jurisprudence have laid the foundation for ongoing advancements in civil rights. Ginsburg's dedication to justice and equality has inspired a new generation of lawyers, activists, and scholars to continue the fight for a more equitable society.

Influential Figures Today

Sonia Sotomayor: First Latina Supreme Court Justice

Sonia Sotomayor made history in 2009 when she became the first Latina to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Justice Sotomayor has been a formidable voice on the bench, known for her passionate and well-reasoned opinions. Her judicial career prior to the Supreme Court included significant roles as a U.S. District Court Judge and later as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Sotomayor's personal story of rising from a humble background in the Bronx to the nation's highest court is a testament to her determination and dedication to justice.

Justice Sotomayor has been involved in several landmark decisions during her tenure on the Supreme Court. Her concurring and dissenting opinions often highlight issues of race, gender, and justice, bringing attention to the impact of the law on marginalized communities. Notable cases include her dissent in Schuette v. BAMN, where she argued against the ban on affirmative action, emphasizing the importance of diversity in education.

Kamala Harris: First Female Vice President and Former Attorney General of California

Kamala Harris shattered several glass ceilings when she was elected Vice President of the United States in 2020, becoming the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian woman to hold the office. Before her vice presidency, Harris served as the Attorney General of California, where she was the first woman and first person of color to hold the position. During her tenure, she established herself as a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, consumer protection, and public safety. Her career has been marked by a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

As Attorney General of California, Harris implemented innovative programs such as "Back on Track," which aimed to reduce recidivism by providing job training and education to first-time nonviolent offenders. Her work in the U.S. Senate included significant contributions to the reform of the criminal justice system, such as co-sponsoring the FIRST STEP Act, which aimed to reduce mandatory minimum sentences and improve prison conditions. As Vice President, Harris continues to influence national policy on issues such as immigration, health care, and economic equity.

Sherrilyn Ifill: President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Sherrilyn Ifill is a leading figure in civil rights law, serving as the President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). Under her leadership, the LDF has tackled critical issues such as voting rights, education equity, and criminal justice reform. Ifill's career has been dedicated to fighting for racial justice and equality, and she has been instrumental in advancing landmark cases that address systemic discrimination. Her scholarly work and public advocacy have made her a prominent voice in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.

Sherrilyn Ifill has led the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in numerous high-profile cases and advocacy efforts. She has been a vocal advocate for voting rights, playing a critical role in the legal battles against voter suppression laws. Her leadership in cases like Shelby County v. Holder, although resulting in a setback for the Voting Rights Act, highlighted the ongoing struggle for fair voting practices. Ifill's work in challenging discriminatory practices in education and criminal justice has made significant strides towards greater equality and justice.

Rising Stars in Law

Vanita Gupta: Civil Rights Attorney and Associate Attorney General

Vanita Gupta is a prominent civil rights attorney currently serving as the Associate Attorney General of the United States. Before her current role, she was the President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, where she led efforts to promote social justice and equality. Gupta has a distinguished career in civil rights law, having previously served as the head of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. Her work includes landmark cases addressing police reform, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. Gupta's dedication to protecting and advancing civil rights has positioned her as a leading figure in the legal community.

Vanita Gupta's extensive work in civil rights has set a new standard for advocacy and legal reform. Her leadership in addressing issues such as police brutality, voting rights, and systemic discrimination underscores the ongoing need for dedicated civil rights lawyers. Gupta's influence is evident in the policies and reforms she has championed, which continue to shape the legal framework for civil rights in America.

Kimberly Bryant: Founder of Black Girls Code, Inspiring Future Tech and Legal Innovators

Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls Code, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching coding and technology skills to young girls of color. Although not a traditional lawyer, Bryant's work intersects with the legal field through her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By empowering young women with tech skills, she is also helping to shape future legal innovators who can navigate and influence the rapidly evolving landscape of tech law. Bryant's efforts have been instrumental in addressing the gender and racial gaps in the tech world, inspiring a new generation of leaders who can drive change in both technology and law.

Kimberly Bryant's work with Black Girls Code is paving the way for greater representation of women of color in the tech industry, which in turn influences the field of tech law. As technology continues to advance, the need for legal expertise in areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property is growing. By empowering young women with tech skills, Bryant is contributing to a more diverse and inclusive tech law landscape.

Brittany K. Barnett: Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform and Co-founder of Buried Alive Project

Brittany K. Barnett is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform and the co-founder of the Buried Alive Project, an organization dedicated to fighting life sentences handed down under outdated federal drug laws. Barnett's work has led to the release of numerous individuals serving life sentences for non-violent offenses. Her dedication to reforming the criminal justice system is rooted in her own family's experiences with incarceration. Barnett's efforts have garnered national attention, highlighting the need for systemic change and inspiring a movement towards more equitable sentencing laws.

Brittany K. Barnett's focus on criminal justice reform addresses one of the most critical issues facing the legal system today. Her efforts to overturn unjust life sentences and advocate for fair sentencing laws highlight the importance of legal activism in driving systemic change. Barnett's work has sparked a broader movement towards criminal justice reform, emphasizing the need for legal professionals who are committed to equity and justice.‍