UB Law Day: Lillian E. Cowan '27

Segment Synopsis: How many law students in graduating class? Started in 1924, 18 yrs. old, class of 100 and 10 were women. Was wonderful place to be, and wonderful profession. How many graduated? 3 yrs later--about 100, 6 were women. Remembers those women that didn't make it. Unique challenges or experiences as a woman in legal profession? Experiences came 1 by 1 and keep coming, never tired or bored of law profession--looks for new challenges. Unique challenges in attempting to obtain employment as a lawyer? Was too young to take the bar, had to wait a year or two. Depression, hard to find a job anywhere. Harder as a woman to find a job in law office. Men given jobs, gov't assistance programs make work jobs for lawyers. Clerks in law offices were men, low pay, supplement serving papers, running errands. When did first start practicing as a law clerk? worked for several law office as a clerk, enjoyed learning opportunities. Difficult to get work as a woman in law offices. Takes stenographer classes, works for several lawyers as a stenographer; came in handy years later for shorthand and typing skills. Current practice? Surrogate work and Estate law and planning, real estate work, big demand for real estate work. Tax work tremendous challenge to keep up with changes. Fondest memories at UB law? met wonderful women through the years and watched them come along. Pleased with the growth in women lawyer organizations, network and mutual aid; part of the parade, not conspicuous anymore.

Subjects: UB LAW: GENDER