James B. Bradwell

Biography

James B. Bradwell arrived in Chicago as a young man determined to study the law, and he quickly became a trusted counselor in the city’s legal circles. A lawyer of keen intellect and compassionate spirit, he rose to prominence in civic affairs while remaining devoted to his family, especially his wife Myra, whose own legal career and advocacy inspired him.

Judge Bradwell brought fairness to the bench, supporting reforms that broadened access to justice, and he was an early ally in the movement for women’s rights, lending his voice and influence to causes that sought equality. His writings and speeches reflected a belief that the law should serve every citizen, and he encouraged the next generation of lawyers to maintain that ideal.