Elizabeth L. Kenney, graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern Law School, was the first woman to practice law in Los Angeles in October 1897 (CA Bar #1969) and as early as 1905 was the only female member of LACBA. Recognized as a fierce advocate for the rights of women and children and hailed publicly as having a “high standing at the bar,” Ms. Kenney was also prominent in the local suffrage movement and a leader in the civic affairs of the City of Los Angeles. For a more detailed biography, together with copies of selected original source articles, please click here.
First established in late 2019 by LACBA’s President’s Advisory Committee on Women in the Legal Profession, the Elizabeth L. Kenney LACBA Women Lawyers of Achievement Award is presented to a woman in the legal profession who has achieved outstanding recognition in their professional area(s) of expertise and who has paved the way for the success of other women. The Third Annual Kenney Award will be presented in November 2026. Nominee must be available to attend the event and accept the award in person.