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In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is recognizing some of the trailblazing women in law who have laid the foundation for the next generation of young female lawyers.

Burnita Shelton Matthews (1894-1988)

Burnita Matthews is recognized for helping to break the glass ceiling in the legal field. She was the first woman to serve as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the second woman to hold judgeship of a federal court. Her career demonstrated a deep commitment to women’s rights in law and enhancing female representation in the political system. She ensured that her struggles and success paved a pathway for the generation of women who followed her.  

The idea of becoming a lawyer proved to be difficult at a young age because Matthews’ father insisted that she pursue music, which he believed was a more “ladylike” profession. He assumed she would become a schoolteacher and sent her to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to learn piano. However, upon moving to Washington, D.C., she attended evening law classes at the National University Law School. By 1920, she had received her law degree, passed the D.C. bar exam, and started legally practicing law in the District.  

Matthews became involved with the National Woman’s Party, a women’s suffrage organization. As head of their legal research department, she prepared arguments against state laws that discriminated against women. At the time, Matthews contributed to research that helped craft the Equal Rights Amendment and remained an outspoken supporter and advocate for equality throughout her career.

Matthews understood the obstacles faced by female lawyers in the early 20th century, in which women were thought to lack the qualifications to serve as judges. Matthews dedicated her career to uplifting and protecting other women in the law profession, and as a federal judge, she only hired female law clerks and devoted time to counsel and advise them.

OAG also shares Burnita Matthews’ commitment to lifting up women in law. AG Racine has committed to attracting and supporting talented women who represent the District’s  diversity to work at OAG. The majority of our agency’s legal divisions are led by remarkable women. In addition, OAG’s Chief Deputy Attorney General and the heads of four of our ten legal divisions are women of color. If you are interested in opportunities to not only serve the public interest, but also to advance your career by working with some of the best legal minds in the District, browse OAG’s job opportunities.