As a woman-owned law firm, it is one of our mainstays to develop goodwill and demonstrate a strong commitment to women and diversity. The Schluter & Hughes Law Firm PLLC is devoted to empowering women within our firm and the legal community, championing their achievements and fostering professional excellence. As proud members of the ABA and sponsors of the Commission on Women 2024 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, we support the Commission and its mission to produce educational materials that will benefit women lawyers and the profession as a whole.

In 1648 Margaret Brent planted the seeds of change to provide women a voice.  We, as women lawyers, continue her legacy today by continuing her mission to support one other in breaking though barriers and fostering her courageous vision for change.

Get to Know Margaret Brent: A Pioneer for Women in Law and Leadership

Imagine living in a time when women were denied a voice in public affairs, a time when the concept of a female lawyer was not just rare, but unthinkable. Yet, in the 17th century, Margaret Brent shattered these conventions, not only claiming her place in the legal arena as the FIRST woman attorney but also laying the groundwork for future generations of women in law. Brent's legacy inspires women lawyers today to challenge the status quo and fight for equality in the legal profession. Her story reminds us that the continued pursuit of justice and equality is grounded on the long-standing tradition of female resilience and leadership.

Margaret Brent, a British noblewoman, settled in Maryland in 1638, and became one of its most notable businesspersons, lawyers and entrepreneurs. From the outset, she demonstrated an exceptional blend of intelligence, tenacity, and courage.  In 1648, Brent, amidst a period of political turmoil, boldly stepped forward and requested a vote in the Maryland Assembly, advocating for women's rights long before the suffrage movement.  Following the death of Governor Leonard Calvert, she acted as the executor of his estate, ensuring the payment of soldiers and creditors. Her leadership was so effective that she made a historic plea to the Maryland Assembly for the right to vote, not just for herself, but on behalf of her position as executor. Her request, though denied, marked the first recorded demand for women's suffrage in America. Margaret's powerful statement during that session was: “I've come to seek a voice in this assembly. And yet because I am a woman, forsooth I must stand idly by and not even have a voice in the framing of your laws” 

Margaret Brent's story is not just one of personal achievement (as she won all 124 court cases she was involved in); it's a narrative that underscores the systemic challenges women have faced—and continue to face—in the legal profession. Her actions were a radical assertion of women's capabilities and a direct challenge to the gender norms of her time.

For us, as women lawyers, her legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and advocacy. Brent's refusal to accept the limitations imposed on her gender is a call to action. It urges us to push for equality, to strive for excellence, and to support one another in breaking through the barriers that remain.

In every brief we write, in every courtroom we enter, and in every boardroom where decisions are made, we carry forward the spirit of Margaret Brent. We honor her not just by remembering her story, but by continuing her fight for justice and equality. Let her life inspire us to be bold in our ambitions and relentless in our pursuit of a more equitable legal profession.

Margaret Brent may not have seen the full fruits of her labor, but her impact is undeniable. She planted the seeds of change that we, as women lawyers, continue to nurture and grow. Her courage and vision are our guiding stars as we navigate the challenges of today, forging a path for those who will follow.

Learn more about ABA Commission on Women 2024 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/women/margaret-brent-awards/