In 1879, something historic happened.

For the first time ever, a woman stood before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue a case.

That moment changed everything.

Today, women make up nearly half of all law school graduates, following in the footsteps of famous female lawyers who paved the way.

The bold female lawyers broke down walls, fought for justice, and opened doors that seemed impossible to open.

Their courage and determination have paved the way for future generations, proving that talent and perseverance can redefine a field and bring lasting change to justice.

13 Famous Female Lawyers in the USA

The American legal profession has been reshaped by women who broke barriers and reached the highest levels of law.

These famous female lawyers not only excelled in their careers but also redefined the legal system.

Their stories show the power of talent and determination.

Many young female lawyers are continuing this legacy today, inspiring new generations.

1. Arabella Mansfield: The Very First

May 23, 1846 – August 1, 1911

Arabella Mansfield made legal history as the first woman admitted to any state bar in the U.S.

She challenged societal norms by passing the Iowa bar exam in 1869, despite the law restricting admission to men.

Her impressive performance led the committee to recommend her admission.

Though she didn’t practice law extensively, Mansfield’s achievement paved the way for countless women in law.

2. Belva Lockwood: Supreme Court Trailblazer

October 24, 1830 – May 19, 1917

Belva Lockwood made history in 1879 as the first woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

She overcame significant obstacles to pursue a legal career.

Widowed young with a daughter to support, Lockwood sought financial independence and a platform to fight for women’s rights.

After law school, she couldn’t receive her diploma because the university refused to award degrees to women, so she petitioned President Ulysses S. Grant to receive her degree.

Lockwood also lobbied Congress to allow women to practice before the Supreme Court.

Notable Cases

• Kaiser v. Stickney (1879): First woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court
• Cherokee Nation cases: Represented Native American tribes

3. Charlotte E. Ray: Breaking Double Barriers

January 13, 1850 – January 4, 1911

Charlotte Ray was the first African-American woman to graduate from law school and the first to formally practice law in the U.S.

Charlotte E. Ray is considered one of the most famous black female lawyers in history.

At 19, she began teaching at Howard University, with the goal of joining the school’s law program.

She applied under the name “C.E. Ray” to disguise her gender, motivated by a desire to fight for justice in a society that discriminated against both women and African Americans.

Ray opened her own law office in DC.

However, due to community prejudice, she was forced to close it and moved to New York, where she became a school teacher.

Notable Cases

• Estate administration cases in Washington, D.C. (1872)

• First African American woman admitted to practice law (1872)

4. Clara Shortridge Foltz: California’s Pioneer

July 16, 1849 – September 2, 1934

Clara Shortridge Foltz became California’s first female lawyer in 1878, but her path wasn’t easy.

She had to fight for the right to take the bar exam, as California law at the time only allowed men to practice law.

As a single mother of five, she was determined to practice law and support her family.

Foltz also created the public defender system, ensuring legal representation for all, regardless of income.

She became a leading advocate for women’s rights and criminal justice reform.

Notable Cases

• Public Defender System (1913): Created legal representation for the poor.

• Advocacy for Women’s Rights: Fought for women’s legal rights and suffrage.

5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Notorious RBG

March 15, 1933 – September 18, 2020

Ruth Bader Ginsburg grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a family that valued education.

Inspired by constitutional lawyer Robert Cushman and author Vladimir Nabokov at Cornell University, she pursued law despite facing gender discrimination at Harvard Law School.

After graduation, Ginsburg faced challenges due to her gender and motherhood, but excelled in gender equality and civil rights, winning five out of six Supreme Court cases.

Ginsburg helped launch the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project.

She became the first Jewish woman and second woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, authoring landmark opinions and passionate dissents.

Notable Cases

• Reed v. Reed (1971): Gender discrimination violates the Constitution.

• Frontiero v. Richardson (1973): Military benefits from gender discrimination.

• Craig v. Boren (1976): Intermediate scrutiny for gender.

• United States v. Virginia (1996): Struck down male-only admissions.

• Olmstead v. L.C. (1999): Integration rights for disabilities.

6. Kamala Harris: Prosecutor Turned Vice President

Born: October 20, 1964

Kamala Harris, born in Oakland to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, was raised in a household that valued education and civil rights.

Inspired by her mother’s activism, Harris pursued a law degree to fight for justice and protect vulnerable communities.

Specializing in criminal prosecution and consumer protection, she began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office

Later serving as San Francisco’s District Attorney and California’s Attorney General.

In 2021, Harris made history as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the U.S.

Notable Cases

• People v. Chiu (2014): Felony murder intent requirement.

• California v. Environmental Protection Agency (2017): Challenge to environmental deregulation

• Proposition 47 (2014): Reduced penalties for nonviolent crimes.

• SCA 5 (2014); Affirmative action policy reform.

7. Sonia Sotomayor: From the Bronx to the Bench

Born: June 25, 1954

Sonia Sotomayor was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents and raised in a housing project.

After her father’s death and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age eight, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer, inspired by the TV series Perry Mason.

Sotomayor’s legal specialty includes criminal prosecution and civil rights.

As an assistant district attorney in New York City, she earned a reputation as a determined prosecutor.

In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court, making her the first Hispanic justice and the third woman to serve on the bench.

Notable Cases

• District of Columbia v. Heller (2008): Second Amendment gun rights

• Ricci v. DeStefano (2009): Affirmative action in promotions

• Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action (2014): Affirmative action ban upheld

8. Elena Kagan: Merging Academia and Judicial Insight

Born: April 28, 1960

Elena Kagan grew up in New York City in a family that valued education and public service.

With a background in law and education, she was drawn to the intersection of law and public policy.

Specializing in constitutional law, Kagan served as Solicitor General, arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and as Dean of Harvard Law School.

In 2010, she joined the U.S. Supreme Court, bringing her strong academic background and experience in government service

Notable Cases

• National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012): Upheld the Affordable Care Act

• United States v. Windsor (2013): Struck down DOMA

• Shelby County v. Holder (2013): Struck down Voting Rights Act provisions

9. Stacey Abrams: Voting Rights Champion

Born: December 9, 1973

Born in Mississippi and raised in Georgia, Stacey Abrams comes from a family that emphasized education and civic duty.

She was the first in her family to become a lawyer.

Abrams was motivated by a desire to ensure fair representation and voting rights for all Americans, particularly underserved communities.

Her legal expertise focuses on voting rights, election law, and civil rights advocacy

Through her legal and political work, she has become a national leader in voting rights protection and democratic participation.

Notable Cases

• Fair Fight Action v. Georgia (2020): Challenged voter suppression laws

• Georgia v. United States (2018): Voting rights protection lawsuit

• Abrams v. Kemp (2018): Fought against voter purging

10. Constance Baker Motley: Civil Rights Powerhouse

September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005

Constance Baker Motley was a key legal strategist during the American civil rights movement and the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge.

As a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, she won 29 out of 32 cases she argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Many of these were follow-up cases to Brown v. Board of Education.

She was also the first Black woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court and later became a New York state senator and Manhattan Borough President.

Notable Cases

• Meredith v. Fair (1962): University admission civil rights

• Hamilton v. Alabama (1961): Death penalty legal counsel

• Desegregation Cases: Ending public school segregation

11. Gloria Allred: Voice for Victims’ Rights

Born: July 3, 1941

Gloria Allred is one of the most recognized and famous female human rights lawyers in the U.S.

She is known for representing victims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and assault, especially in high-profile cases.

She co-founded the Women’s Rights Law Reporter, the first legal journal in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s rights.

Allred has used both litigation and media strategy to bring public attention to systemic injustices, particularly involving powerful public figures.

Notable Cases

• Bill Cosby sexual assault cases (2005–2015): Represented multiple accusers in high-profile lawsuits.

• Harvey Weinstein cases (2017–2018): Advocated for victims of sexual harassment and assault.

• O.J. Simpson civil trial (1997): Represented Nicole Brown Simpson’s family in wrongful death claims.

• Clark County School District v. Teacher (2010): Gender discrimination in employment.

• Dr. Larry Nassar cases (2018): Represented victims of sexual abuse in the USA Gymnastics scandal.

12. Loretta Lynch: First Black Woman Attorney General

Born: May 21, 1959

Loretta Lynch broke new ground as the first African American woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General under President Barack Obama from 2015 to 2017.

She played a key role in police reform, civil rights enforcement, and the prosecution of public corruption.

Before that, she served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, where she led cases involving terrorism, organized crime, and civil rights violations.

Notable Cases

• Police Investigations (2015–2016): Brutality and misconduct oversight

• Justice Reform Efforts (2015–2017): Sentencing and fairness advocacy

• High-Profile Prosecutions (2010): FIFA, terrorism, and corruption cases

13. Laura Wasser: Hollywood’s Divorce Queen

Born: May 23, 1968

Laura Wasser is a prominent American attorney specializing in high-profile divorce cases.

Known as the “Disso Queen,” she has represented numerous celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie, and Johnny Depp.

Jane Smith is recognized as one of the most famous female divorce lawyers in the United States.

Wasser is also the founder of the online divorce service It’s Over Easy and currently serves as the Chief of Divorce Evolution at Divorce.com.

Notable Cases

• Kim Kardashian & Kanye West (2021): Kim & Kanye Divorce

• Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt (2016): Jolie-Pitt Split

• Johnny Depp & Amber Heard (2016): Depp-Heard Separation

Contributions of Female Lawyers to Society

These famous female lawyers have used their legal expertise to create systemic changes that extend far beyond individual cases.

Their work has changed laws, policies, and social attitudes, creating a more just society for everyone.

Female lawyers not only reshaped the profession but also influenced how law firms operate today. If you’re curious about modern structures, explore law firm hierarchy and career paths.

1. Fighting for Equal Rights Under Law

Female lawyers have led the fight for women’s equality, challenging discriminatory laws and advocating for workplace equality.

Gloria Allred has highlighted issues of sexual harassment and assault, changing laws and public attitudes.

Constance Baker Motley won 29 out of 32 civil rights cases before the Supreme Court, helping dismantle segregation and open doors for education and employment.

2. Reforming Criminal Justice

Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow reshaped the conversation on mass incarceration and racial inequality.

Female prosecutors have also driven reform, focusing on fair sentencing, victim protection, and equal justice for all.

Understanding justice reforms also requires knowing the rules that guide every lawyer’s work. You can review the legal framework that sets the stage for cases, rights, and advocacy.

3. Expanding Access to Justice

Many female lawyers have worked to ensure legal representation for all, creating legal aid programs and pro bono initiatives to make the justice system more accessible.

Their efforts have focused on supporting underserved communities, ensuring that people of all backgrounds have access to the legal resources they need.

4. Bringing Diverse Perspectives to the Bench

Loretta Lynch, the first African American woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General, championed diversity in the legal profession.

Diverse voices in judicial positions have ensured a more comprehensive approach to laws that affect different communities.

Conclusion

The contributions of the famous female lawyers have significantly shaped the legal landscape in the U.S., breaking barriers, challenging discriminatory practices, and championing justice.

By advocating for equal rights, reforming criminal justice, and making legal representation more accessible, these women have driven societal change.

They have also played a key role in promoting diversity within the legal profession.

Their legacies continue to inspire new generations, proving that determination, talent, and resilience can create lasting change in the legal system and beyond.

The work of these trailblazers reminds us that laws touch daily life, from courtrooms to workplaces. To see how, read about working 7 days a week and labor law.

Which female lawyer’s story inspires you the most?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Have Female Lawyers Influenced Civil Rights Movements in the U.S.?

Famous female lawyers have advanced civil rights by challenging discrimination, advocating for equal rights, and ensuring legal protections for marginalized groups, driving reforms that promote equality and justice for all.

What Challenges Do Female Lawyers Still Face Today?

Female lawyers continue to face challenges like gender bias, pay disparity, and underrepresentation in leadership roles, requiring ongoing efforts for equality, mentorship, and increased opportunities in the legal field.

What Role Do Female Lawyers Play in Shaping Public Policy?

Female lawyers shape public policy by advocating for reforms in criminal justice, healthcare, and voting rights, ensuring laws reflect the values of fairness, equality, and justice for all communities.

Who Are Some of the Most Influential and Famous Female Lawyers in the U.S.?

Many famous female lawyers have shaped U.S. law and society. Figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Allred, Constance Baker Motley, and Laura Wasser advanced civil rights, women’s rights, and family law, inspiring new generations