Paving the Way: Celebrating Women Who Expanded Access to Justice
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I want to highlight the remarkable lives of two women attorneys whose courage and leadership helped shape Philadelphia’s legal community and expand access to justice in meaningful, lasting ways.
From time to time, and after careful consideration, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation presents its Trailblazers for Justice Award to extraordinary individuals who paved the way for equal access to justice in our city. These honorees acted with exceptional vision and determination, transforming the legal landscape of Philadelphia and opening doors for those who followed. By recognizing these leaders, we honor the legacy of legal pioneers whose work continues to guide and strengthen our profession.
In 2016, the Bar Foundation recognized Sadie T.M. Alexander as the inaugural Trailblazer for Justice. Ms. Alexander tirelessly championed civil rights and access to opportunity. She achieved numerous historic “firsts,” including becoming the first African-American woman in the nation to earn a Ph.D. in economics in 1921 and, in 1927, earning her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and passing the Pennsylvania Bar—also firsts for African-American women. She became the first African-American woman to serve as Assistant City Solicitor in Philadelphia and later was appointed to the President’s Committee on Civil Rights by Harry S. Truman. Together with her husband and law partner, Raymond Pace Alexander, she litigated landmark civil rights cases that advanced equality and justice in our region and beyond.
In 2025, the Bar Foundation proudly honored Doris May Harris (1922–1985) as the recipient of the Trailblazers for Justice Award, celebrating her pioneering legacy as a jurist, mentor, and advocate who opened doors for African-American women in the law. Judge Harris’s life was defined by an unwavering commitment to justice, education, and mentorship that continues to inspire generations of attorneys. A native Philadelphian, Judge Harris graduated magna cum laude from Howard University before earning her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1949, becoming only the second Black woman to do so. Her distinguished legal career included service as an Assistant City Solicitor, attorney for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Assistant General Counsel for the School District of Philadelphia.
In 1971, Judge Harris was appointed to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where she served with distinction until her passing. Known as a “mentor in chief,” she actively recruited, hired, and guided African-American women entering the profession. Her high standards, keen insight—particularly in juvenile justice—and deep compassion shaped a generation of legal professionals who now serve in courts, private practice, and public service. Her commitment extended well beyond the courtroom. Judge Harris helped establish vital outreach initiatives, including a pro bono legal defense fund, mentoring programs for girls at the Harriet Tubman House, and educational partnerships with the Philadelphia Bar Association and Philadelphia Futures. Her leadership across numerous civic and professional organizations reflected a steadfast dedication to equity, service, and community advancement. In 1989, the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division created the Judge Doris May Harris Image Award in her memory, honoring African-American women attorneys who exemplify her values and leadership. Her enduring message—“Let us always reach back”—continues to resonate as a call to mentorship and shared responsibility within our profession.
Please join the Philadelphia Bar Foundation in celebrating the lives and work of Ms. Alexander, Judge Harris, and the many trailblazers who have strengthened our legal community. Their example challenges us not only to remember their achievements, but to carry their work forward—during Women’s History Month and throughout the year.
Josh Snyder
