Oklahoma women lawyers on the move! Executive Director Johnson and OBA YLD Chair Laura Talbert recently traveled to Chicago to meet with bar leaders from around the country. They took a timeout to root for the Cubbies.

This issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal contains many interesting articles that focus on women in the law. When I think back on the history of women entering the practice of law, I think of a pioneer story. Nothing transpired overnight. It is a tale of resilience and gradual transformation. To be a woman practicing law is an honor that signifies much more than personal success. It represents a historical breakthrough, a commitment to making a change, a source of inspiration for future generations and a dedication to overcoming ongoing challenges.

I encourage you to visit “In re Lady Lawyers: The Rise of Women Attorneys and the Supreme Court,” an online exhibition hosted on the U.S. Supreme Court website.[1] While the journey of women in the law began in the late 19th century, the most notable strides that caused significant change occurred in the latter half of the 20th century. The feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s played a crucial role in addressing institutional discrimination and promoting equal opportunities in various professions, including law. Landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the U.S., helped to challenge discriminatory practices and opened doors for women in many fields, including the legal profession.

Throughout this period, notable female legal figures emerged who made substantial contributions to the field. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, is a prime example. Her career, which began with her work as an advocate for gender equality, significantly influenced legal thought and practice. If you haven’t read the book Dinners with Ruth by NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg,[2] I highly recommend and encourage you to read it. I finished it on a single Saturday afternoon.

The history of women in law is a testament to their perseverance and the gradual evolution of societal attitudes toward gender roles. From the early pioneers who broke barriers to the contemporary trailblazers shaping the future of legal practice, women have significantly impacted the legal profession. Our ongoing efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

I am honored to be a member of this groundbreaking group. Challenging the norms of longstanding tradition is no easy feat. In fact, as my years as a lawyer grow, I am always thrilled to see more and more women take on prominent roles in the legal community. Within our own association, I am impressed daily by our peers. We have amazing woman lawyer representation and leadership in our courts, our Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division. I hope that this small trip down memory lane continues to inspire women to enter the practice of law. Becoming a change agent is not easy, but the reward can be immeasurable.

To contact Executive Director Johnson, email her at janetj@okbar.org.

ENDNOTES

[1] https://bit.ly/3SS40nC.

[2] https://amzn.to/3AtPkVg.