Los Angeles City Historical Society: Clara Shortridge Foltz – Barrier Breaker

Press release from the Los Angeles City Historical Society:

March 4, 2022

Many of you may have heard the name Clara Shortridge Foltz as the name of the Criminal Courthouse building located downtown on Temple and Spring. Or maybe you have heard her name as the first female lawyer in California. But many may not know her importance as a barrier breaker for women and her fight for Women’s Rights in California and the United States.

Clara Shortridge Foltz’s original motivation for being an attorney was not to make headlines, making a statement, or even making a name for herself. It was simply to make a living and make sure her children were cared for.

This press release was produced by the Los Angeles City Historical Society. The views expressed here are the author’s own.