March marks Women’s History Month here in the United States, and as attorneys in the Central Florida region, we’re keenly aware of the impact women have had on the field of law through the years. Reaching back into Colonial America, you’d find Margaret Brent who oversaw approximately 100 cases in Virginia and Maryland from 1638 until her death. She is the epitome of a trailblazer and a beacon for all the women who came after her and sought to fight for justice, and her example led to some great women who shaped history and the way law is practiced here today. Some notable women we want to acknowledge include:
- Lettie Burlingame. Lettie was a suffragette and founder of The Equity Club at The University of Michigan. This groundbreaking group targeted women who were past and current law students, and went on to become the first professional organization for women lawyers. Lettie herself went on to go into private practice and continued to fight for and represent justice until her passing in 1890. What an example to our young law students today about the effect they can have on not only their peers, but future generations as well!
- Lyda B. Conley. Lyda was the first Native American female lawyer, who taught herself law for a very personal reason. She was a staunch protector of her tribe’s sacred burial land which was being threatened with a sale. She took the case before the Supreme Court, and while she didn’t win at that time, the funds she raised and the outpouring of support from the people of the United States led to the lands being protected and the desecration being banned. Her determination was exemplary!
- Janet Reno. Janet was the first female Attorney General in the United States of America, beginning her time in this position in 1993. She served during both terms under President Bill Clinton, and while her career was certainly speckled with some controversy, she made major strides in women being respected and seen as equals in the practice of law at the highest levels in the USA.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ruth is perhaps one of the most well-known lawyers on this list, as her career took her to the very top when she was named the second female justice of the high court. She was named to The Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, and used her position to advocate for justice for ALL people in the United States, and uphold the law that she held dear. Her legacy lives on in each law student and practicing attorney today.
These women have changed the tide in law, and have opened the gates for women to reach the top and be seen, heard, and respected in the world of law. Brooks Law Group is proud to have many amazing female attorneys as part of our team and staff, and we uphold the value that ALL people deserve quality legal representation. Accidents don’t discriminate, and neither do we. We treat each client with the respect and care they deserve, and fight for the justice and compensation they need. We’re proud to serve the greater Tampa area with legal counsel and representation following car accidents, slip and fall injuries, work truck collisions, and more. When accidents happen, you know you can Look to Brooks.
