The Lavinia Goodell Cases: Wisconsin’s First Female Lawyer and Her Fight for Justice
In 1874, Lavinia Goodell was admitted into the Rock County bar and began practicing law in Janesville. She represented a number of female clients in the area, particularly in divorce classes. When one case required her to appeal to the Supreme Court, she petitioned to become a member of the bar of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and was denied. Her fight to end discrimination against women in law practice, eventually led to a change in state law and her admittance to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This presentation will examine her fight for women’s rights through her court cases.
Presented by Jennifer Motszko, Head of Archives
Thursday, April 6, 2022, 2:00 pm
Lectures are open to the public and held at 2 p.m. in the Gathering Room at Cedar Crest, 1702 South River Road in Janesville. Free parking is available and registration is not required. Updates will be posted on facebook, along with live streaming, when available. Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information or to request accommodations.
