2024-2233RESOLUTION NO. 2024-2233 A resolution recognizing June 17, 2024, as “Lavinia Goodell Day” in the City of Janesville. WHEREAS, on June 17, 1874, Lavinia Goodell passed a rigorous examination at the Rock County Courthouse in Janesville, becoming the first woman lawyer in the State of
Wisconsin and one of less than a dozen in the United States at the time; and WHEREAS, prior to this examination, Lavinia spent years overcoming gender-based discrimination, being denied many legal opportunities before being hired as a Legal Copyist at a local law practice in Janesville, where she taught herself law by reading
volumes in the firm’s library; and WHEREAS, Lavinia began successfully practicing law in Janesville before a case required her to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which denied her petition to represent her client as no woman had ever argued before the highest court in the state,
thus beginning Lavinia’s multi-year struggle for gender equality in Wisconsin’s legal system; and WHEREAS, in 1877, Lavinia effectively lobbied state lawmakers to introduce a bill authorizing women to be admitted to the State Bar, and after this, the bill became law
explicitly stating, "no person shall be denied admission or license to practice as an
attorney in any court of this state on account of sex"; and WHEREAS, two years later, Lavinia reapplied to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and was successfully admitted, and although she would die only a year after this, she had
successfully paved the way for women to practice law in Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, now on the 150th anniversary of her historic achievement, becoming the first female lawyer in Wisconsin, a group of community members will celebrate her trailblazing legacy with a ceremony at the Rock County Courthouse on June 17, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Janesville recognizes June 17, 2024, as “Lavinia Goodell Day” to encourage residents of this City to increase their knowledge about the history, achievements, and contributions made by Lavinia Goodell to the community, society, and the fight for equality.
Dated this 10th day of June 2024.
ADOPTED: June 10, 2024
APPROVED:
Kevin M. Lahner, City Manager
ATTEST:
Lorena Rae Stottler, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: City Manager’s Office Prepared by: City Manager’s Office
Motion by: Williams
Second by: Miller
Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Burdick
Jackson
Marshick
Miller
Neeno
Squire
Williams
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2024-2233 Lavinia Goodell Day
Final Audit Report 2024-06-12
Created:2024-06-12
By:Carri Salus (salusc@ci.janesville.wi.us)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAALXwGUWrvpVKymc46zVqfDH2_TyB0JVpj
"2024-2233 Lavinia Goodell Day" History
Document created by Carri Salus (salusc@ci.janesville.wi.us)
2024-06-12 - 8:12:15 PM GMT
Document emailed to Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2024-06-12 - 8:12:48 PM GMT
Email viewed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
2024-06-12 - 8:21:47 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2024-06-12 - 8:21:55 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2024-06-12 - 8:21:57 PM GMT
Email viewed by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
2024-06-12 - 8:39:50 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2024-06-12 - 8:39:58 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2024-06-12 - 8:39:58 PM GMT