Gladys Root

Gladys Towles Root (1905–1982) was a successful criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, known for her piercing cross-examinations. Root was forced to specialize in sexual assault and murder cases because no other work was available to her.

Early life

Root was the daughter of Clara Dexter Towles and Charles Towles of Los Angeles. She was born in 1905 and grew up in comfortable surroundings.

There were very few women practicing law when Root graduated from USC School of Law in 1930. Root was unable to obtain employment and decided to open her own practice. Gladys Towles Root opened her office at 212 South Hill Street, Los Angeles California, the former location of the legendary Rainbow Saloon.

Because no other work was available to her, Root began defending rape and murder cases. She became so skilled that by the early 1960s young prosecutors and defense attorneys would gather to watch her cross-examination of prosecuting witnesses.

Legal career

Root served as president of the Southern California Women Lawyers in 1945.