Ethel Benjamin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 19 January 1875 Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Died | 14 October 1943 (aged 68) |
| Other names | De Costa |
| Alma mater | University of New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, businesswoman |
| Years active | 1897–1943 |
| Known for | New Zealand's first female lawyer |
Ethel Rebecca Benjamin (19 January 1875 – 14 October 1943) was New Zealand's first female lawyer. On 17 September 1897, she became the first woman in the British Empire to appear as counsel in court, representing a client for the recovery of a debt. She was the second woman in the Empire to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor, two months after Clara Brett Martin of Canada.[1]
- ^ Mayhew, Judith (4 September 2001). "5th Annual Ethel Benjamin Commemorative Address". New Zealand Law Society. Retrieved 1 October 2007.