Leading by Example: How Women Shaped the Pennsylvania Judiciary

The Hon. Rochelle S. Friedman (Ret.) is a pioneer who blazed paths for women in the legal and judicial fields in Western Pennsylvania. From her years as a student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and legal work defending civil liberties, to her dogged political campaigns, legendary dissents as an 25-year member of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and mentorship of lawyers, judges, and elected officials, Judge Friedman’s life and career reflect the challenges and successes of generations of women in the law.

To celebrate the recent donation of Judge Friedman’s personal and professional papers to the Rauh Jewish History Program and Archives, the History Center and the Commonwealth Court Historical Society will tell Judge Friedman’s story with the help of some of the many local leaders who joined her along the way, including Senior Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer, Bonnie DiCarlo, Judge Maureen Lally-Green (Ret.) President Judge Emerita Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter, Tina Mazaheri, President Judge Emeritus Dan Pellegrini (Ret.), Robert Peirce, Jr., Justice David Wecht, and Judge Michael H. Wojcik.

Program attendees can also see a special display of materials from Judge Friedman’s papers, which will remain on view in the Detre Library & Archives through June 6.

The program is held in conjunction with the History Center’s new exhibition, A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh, which showcases the stories of barrier-breaking Western Pa. women like Judge Friedman who helped shape our region and nation.

Prior to the program, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will hold a special session from 1-3:30 p.m. in the History Center, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to witness the daily workings of this unique appellate court.