Gloria Allred

Feminist, activist and founding partner of the law firm Allred, Maroko & Goldberg, Gloria Allred is a tireless crusader fighting for civil rights and justice. With over 30 years in the legal arena, Allred has been voted by her peers as one of the best lawyers in the United States. Allred recently spoke with Savvy Miss about her career and what drives her to give voice to the voiceless.

SM: What inspired you to practice law?
Gloria Allred: Originally, I wanted to practice law because I have a passion for justice. I just felt that I wanted to do my part to help others win justice.

SM: What is the most rewarding part of being a lawyer?
Gloria Allred: The most rewarding part is helping people move from being a victim to becoming a survivor to becoming a fighter for change, and achieving results that help to improve the status of women [and] bring them into the mainstream of American life in equal partnership with men.

Best known for her involvement in the Scott Peterson trial, during which she represented Amber Frey, and the O.J. Simpson criminal and civil cases, in which she represented the family of Nicole Brown Simpson, Gloria Allred’s mission to defend and expand civil rights goes well beyond what the media has covered. She has fought for victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and sexual harassment in the U.S. Senate; fought for single mothers’ rights to child support; and women’s rights to equality in the workplace.

SM: With so many high-profile cases, is the media scrutiny ever overwhelming?
Gloria Allred: To me it’s just part of the game. It’s just part of the strategy that critics [use] to deter me from being a strong advocate for my clients. I feel I have a duty to spotlight the injustices against women and minorities. I think my clients are very courageous: They’re [the] heroes of their own lives and I will stand up for them and I will point to the wrong-doers and we will break the silence.