Inspiring Women in Law
by Chloe Wong
Chloe, our Young Ambassador to Hong Kong, writes about the inspiring women who have shaped the legal profession, overcoming barriers to advocate for gender equality and justice. She hopes that by sharing their legacies, she can empower future generations of women in law.
“As we continue the fight for women's rightful place in society, we should uplift and celebrate the extraordinary female legal pioneers who have overcome immense obstacles to become leaders and change-makers.”
As an aspiring lawyer, I have always been inspired by the trailblazing women who have paved the way in the legal field. Motivated by the vision of an equitable and just society and inspired by the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst and Malala Yousafzai, I have always wanted to advocate for gender equality and to change the system from within.
Of the 115 Supreme Court justices in the US, only 6 have been women - this highlights the inequality that remains at the upper echelons of the legal system. Some still argue against this inequality, saying that there is a higher proportion of female law students nowadays at universities. While this may be true, even in the top 15 law firms, only 34% of women make partner. It is important to consider how far biases and stereotypes in the legal landscape may continue to contribute to this imbalance at the most senior levels.
However, despite the historical male dominance of the profession, there are countless women throughout history and now who have broken down barriers and fought for justice, equality, and human rights. As we continue the fight for women's rightful place in society, we should uplift and celebrate the extraordinary female legal pioneers who have overcome immense obstacles to become leaders and change-makers.
By exploring the legacies of inspiring women in law, I hope to not only share knowledge, but also empower other girls considering a career in this field. Let’s normalise women as powerful, respected forces in the legal world!
Eliza Orme (1848-1937)
(Image Source: Inner Temple)
Eliza Orme was a groundbreaking British lawyer and women's rights advocate in the late 19th century. She was the first woman to receive a law degree in England, and in 1899, she became the first woman formally admitted as a solicitor in England, breaking down barriers in the male-dominated legal profession. Driven by a passion for gender equality, Orme was a founding member of the Society of Women Solicitors and used her legal expertise to support various women's rights organisations. As one of the first female lawyers ever in the UK, Orme's work has helped transform opportunities for women in the legal field.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)
(Image Source: The New Yorker)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneering jurist who served on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her passing in 2020. As only the second woman ever appointed to the nation's highest court, Ginsburg was a prominent advocate for gender equality throughout her legal career. She earned a reputation as a brilliant legal mind and an unyielding defender of civil liberties, authoring decisions that advanced the principle of equality under the law. Ginsburg's unwavering dedication to justice and her ability to forge coalitions on the bench made her an iconic figure both within the legal establishment and in the general public. Her supporters affectionately dubbed her the "Notorious R.B.G.,” capturing her fierce determination and unmatched influence. Ginsburg's life's work left a massive influence on American jurisprudence and inspired generations of aspiring lawyers, jurists and activists.
Shirin Ebadi (1947-Present)
(Image Source: The Guardian)
Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer, advocate for human rights and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, recognized for her efforts to promote democracy and human rights, especially women's and children's rights, in Iran. As a lawyer, Ebadi has taken on high-profile cases defending political dissidents and prisoners of conscience. She has also founded several non-governmental organisations in Iran for her cause. Despite facing persecution from the Iranian government for her activism, Ebadi has remained as a persistent voice for reform and justice.
Kamala Harris (1964-Present)
(Image source: Kamala Harris presidential campaign site)
Before entering politics, Kamala Harris built a career as a prosecutor and legal advocate. As District Attorney of San Francisco, she created groundbreaking programs to rehabilitate first-time drug offenders rather than incarcerating them. This innovative approach became a national model for criminal justice reform. Later, as California's Attorney General, Harris fought to protect consumers affected by the subprime mortgage crisis, securing a $20 billion settlement for homeowners. Throughout her legal career, she was known as a tough and fair prosecutor who championed the rights of women and children. It was this prosecutorial experience, coupled with her commitment to reform, that eventually propelled her onto the national political scene, and being elected as the first black, Asian American and female Vice President. Now, as she runs for President of the United States, she demonstrates that through hard work, anything is achievable. No matter the outcome of her current campaign, she has already carved out a legacy as a pioneer who has opened doors and shattered glass ceilings. She continues to be a beacon of hope and possibility for us all!