Alice M. Birdsall

Alice M. Birdsall (July 27, 1880-November 1958) was Arizona's second female attorney, an expert in bankruptcy law, and a female rights advocate.

Biography Alice Mabeth Birdsall was born on July 27, 1880, to George B. and Anna Birdsall in Waterloo, Iowa. Birdsall was a talented student and graduated from the Waterloo high school in 1895. In 1902, Birdsall moved to Whittier, California, where she was a law clerk and stenographer for the California State Legislature. Birdsall continued to work as a stenographer upon moving to Globe, Arizona and El Paso, Texas.

In 1912, Birdsall moved to Washington, D.C. to attend the Washington College of Law. She successfully petitioned that she be able to complete her coursework in one year, citing her extensive legal clerk experience. Despite working during the day and attending class at night, Birdsall graduated with the highest marks since the college had opened in 1896.

Legal work After graduating, Birdsall returned to Globe, where she joined Sarah Herring Sorin in her legal practice. Sorin, the first female lawyer in the state, became a mentor to Birdsall, now the second.

When Sorin died in 1914, Birdsall moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and began a solo law practice. She also was an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment. raising millions of dollars to support World War I.

Birdsall was an active Democrat and was appointed as an Arizona delegate to the 1920 Democratic National Convention.

Death and legacy Birdsall retired in July 1958 and died three months later.

In 2010, Birdsall was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.