Appellate Division Law Library

Women in the Law Collection turns 15

Dedicated to the memory of Justice M. Dolores Denman on May 21, 2003, the Women in the Law Collection was created to archive speeches, judicial decisions, and other important documents from prominent women jurists along with relevant contemporary and historical books and periodicals. Its purpose is to collect material and information including books, audio, videos, and artifacts that reflect the experiences, issues, concerns, observations, and history of women in the law.

Housed in what has been described as the nicest room in the courthouse, the Women in the Law Room is a comfortable space for reading, research, and small gatherings.

The original modest Women in the Law Collection as it appeared at the time of the dedication.

In addition to a collection of treatises and periodicals, the collection includes a small number of archival materials pertaining to the late Hon. M. Dolores Denman and the late Hon. Elizabeth W. Pine.

Justice Denman

Justice Pine

 The Dedication Ceremony

Judge Evelyn Frazee

The dedication ceremony was held in the courthouse atrium, located just outside of the Women in the Law Room. It was attended by members of the Denman family as well as judges, court staff, and members of the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA). The idea for the collection originated with members of GRAWA, and they were instrumental in its establishment at the courthouse. During the ceremony, a limited-edition book on the life and writings of Justice Denman entitled Justice is a Woman was released. The book, authored by Law Librarian Maryanne Clark, received much praise from Presiding Justice Eugene Pigott.

Justice Elizabeth Pine speaking at the 2003 dedication
with Presiding Justice Eugene Pigott and Clerk of the Court Joanne Wahl nearby

Presiding Justice Eugene Pigott and Author Maryanne Clark
at the 2003 dedication. Judge Pigott is holding a copy of the Denman book.

 Renovation & Re-dedication
The collection grew rapidly and necessitated the renovation of the room in which it was housed. The Women in the Law Collection was re-dedicated on September 7, 2006 in front of a large gathering in the courthouse atrium. Custom-built bookcases and Craftsman-style furniture adorned with green leather upholstery illuminated by alabaster and stained-glass fixtures made the room one of the most luxurious in the courthouse.


 The Future
We continue to develop the collection with every round of book ordering. On order this month we have a selection of books on the suffrage centennial in New York State and the historic presidential campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Remember the Ladies: Celebrating Those Who Fought for Freedom at the Ballot Box
Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial
The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote
Women Will Vote: Winning Suffrage in New York State
First Woman: Celebrating the Historic Presidential Campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton
 and Other First Women in Government

Do you have a suggestion for the Women in the Law Collection? We welcome patron requests.