In the mid-1850s, Bradwell began to study
law with her husband, Judge James
Bradwell, in order to assist him in his work.
They had four children, two of whom died in
early childhood. At age 38, she took the Illinois Bar exam and passed with honors.

Bradwell’s application to be a lawyer was denied because she was a married
woman. Petitioning for reconsideration, she was denied simply because she
was a woman.

In 1872, Bradwell and Alta Hulett, also denied permission to practice law,
drafted a bill stating that “no person shall be precluded from any profession on
account of sex.” This law enabled Hulett to become Illinois’ first woman
lawyer.

Bradwell was too busy working on the Legal News to re-petition the court. It
was not until 1890 that the Illinois Supreme Court, on its own motion, licensed
Myra Bradwell to practice law. The Bradwells lived at 1428 South
Michigan Avenue.