Gladys Kessler

Retired United States District Court Judge Gladys Kessler died on March 16, 2023 from complications of pneumonia. Judge Kessler had a formidable intellect which she used to create and ensure justice and equality. She was educated at Cornell University and among the first women to attend Harvard Law School. She was a lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board and worked as a Legislative Assistant to Sen. Harrison A. Williams and Rep. Jonathan Bingham. In 1972, she formed one of the first public interest law firms in the United States. She co-founded the Women’s Legal Defense Fund, National Association of Women Judges and Our Place DC. Judge Kessler was not an incrementalist. She saw deep issues of racism, sexism and poverty and believed law was an available remedy. She reformed the District of Columbia foster care system as Presiding Judge of the Family Division at D.C. Superior Court and took on the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the tobacco industry as a federal judge. She loved young people, animals, children and the arts. She encouraged her law clerks to pursue their passions in the law and the world with vigor, often officiating at their weddings. She was godmother and aunt to multitudes of her law clerks’ and friends’ children. She was married to Arthur Mackwell and is survived by her five stepchildren, Sally, Sharon, Arthur, Clark and Steve. She is also survived by her two adored cats, Blackberry and Cherry. A memorial service will be held later in the Spring. Donations in her honor can be made to the D.C. Abortion Fund, Bright Beginnings and Mary’s Center.