Norma Zarky facts for kids

Norma Goldstein Zarky (born April 29, 1917 – died October 24, 1977) was an important lawyer from Los Angeles. She worked hard to protect people's civil rights, which are the basic rights and freedoms that all citizens should have. She was also a pioneer for women in the legal field.

Norma Zarky's Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Norma Zarky was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Maxwell and Fannie Senfeld Goldstein. She went to James Madison High School. Even back then, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer!

After high school, she studied at Barnard College for a year. Then, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin. There, she completed a special six-year program. This program combined arts and law studies. She earned her law degree in 1939. She was a very bright student. She became a member of special honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa. On July 29, 1939, she married Hilbert Philip Zarky.

Working for Justice

After getting married, Norma and her husband moved to Washington, D.C.. Norma began her career as a lawyer. She worked for the Children's Bureau of the Department of Labor. Her job was to make sure that child labor laws were followed. These laws protect young workers.

She also worked for the Railroad Retirement Board. During World War II, she helped the Office of Price Administration. This office made sure that prices for things like clothing stayed fair. Later, she worked with famous civil rights lawyers. One of them was Joseph L. Rauh, Jr.. She helped write important legal papers for civil rights cases in the 1950s.

Facing Challenges

In 1954, during a time called the McCarthy Era, Norma and her husband faced a difficult challenge. The government tried to fire her husband from his job. This was mainly because Norma had briefly been involved with a political group when she was in college. They were also questioned for belonging to a book club and attending certain meetings.

Norma and her husband strongly defended themselves. Many friends and important people spoke up for them. They showed their loyalty to the United States. Because of this, her husband was able to keep his job.

A Pioneer in Law

Later, Norma and her family moved to Los Angeles. In 1961, she joined the law firm of Mitchell, Silberberg and Knupp. Her husband also worked there. In 1968, she made history. She became the firm's first woman partner! This was a big step for women in the legal field. At this firm, she mostly worked in entertainment law. This type of law deals with the legal issues of people in movies, music, and TV.

Norma Zarky's Community Involvement

Norma Zarky was very active in her community. She believed in using her legal skills to help others. This is called pro bono work, which means doing legal work for free to help people who cannot afford it.

• She was the first woman to lead the Beverly Hills Bar Association.
• She helped start Women in Film. This group supports women working in the movie industry.
• She was important in creating Public Counsel. Today, this is the largest law firm in the world that does pro bono work.
• She also worked with the Constitutional Rights Foundation. This group teaches young people about their rights.
• Norma's daughter was born with a severe disability. Because of this, Norma joined the board of the Exceptional Children's Foundation. She wanted to help other children with special needs.
• She also helped found California Women Lawyers. This group supports women in the legal profession across California.

Norma Zarky received many awards for her amazing work.

• She won the Ernestine Stahlhut Award. This award honors lawyers who show great character and dedication to justice. It also recognizes those who inspire other women in law.
• She also received the first Crystal Award from Women in Film. This award celebrates women who have helped expand the role of women in the entertainment industry through their excellent work.

Remembering Norma Zarky

Norma Zarky passed away on October 24, 1977, from breast cancer. Even after her death, her legacy continues to inspire.

• In 1979, Women in Film created The Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award. This award honors people who support equal opportunities for everyone. It also recognizes those who work to improve human lives.
• The University of Southern California gives out the Norma Zarky Memorial Award. This award goes to law students who are excellent in entertainment law.
• At UCLA, there is a special scholarship fund. It's called the Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Edward Rubin & Norma Zarky Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund helps students who need financial support to attend law school. It also honors Norma Zarky and Edward Rubin, who were important figures at the law firm where Norma worked.

Norma Zarky's life showed how one person can make a huge difference. She fought for civil rights, broke barriers for women in law, and helped countless people through her dedication and kindness.