Many talented women have been born and have built their careers in Liverpool. Today, we’re focusing on a remarkable local figure who was not only a pioneering British barrister but also a High Court judge. Dame Rose Heilbron was the first woman to be awarded a first-class honours degree in law from the University of Liverpool. She was also the first woman to win a scholarship to Gray’s Inn. Read more about the life and professional career of this famous Liverpool native on the liverpoolka.com website.
Childhood and Education
Heilbron was born in Liverpool in 1914. She received her secondary education at The Belvedere School and went on to graduate from the University of Liverpool. In 1935, she became one of the first two women ever to be awarded a first-class honours degree in law. Just a year later, Rose won the Lord Justice Holker Scholarship at Gray’s Inn—another first for a woman. In 1937, she earned her Master of Laws (LL.M) degree and was called to the Bar in 1939, joining the Northern Circuit to begin her practice.
Career Development
Dame Rose Heilbron began her career as a barrister specialising in criminal law. Her practice developed rapidly. Some have suggested her success was partly due to circumstance, as many male barristers were serving in the forces during the Second World War.
She handled many interesting cases. For example, in 1946, she represented boys who had been injured in a minefield on the beach between Crosby and Southport. The claim was against the Crown, and the case contributed to the passing of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947.
In total, Heilbron was involved in dozens of murder trials. With each passing year, she became increasingly well-known, especially in her home city.
In 1949, Heilbron became one of the first two women appointed King’s Counsel. In 1950, she was the first woman to lead the defence in a murder trial, representing the gangster George Kelly. For her work on this high-profile case, the Daily Mirror named her ‘Woman of the Year’.
Further Successes
In 1956, our Liverpool native was appointed Recorder of Burnley, the first woman to hold such a position. In 1972, she became the first woman to sit as a judge at the Old Bailey. In 1974, she was appointed a judge of the High Court and later became the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit—another first for a woman.
In 1975, she was appointed to chair a committee to review the laws on rape. A year later, she was made an Honorary Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.
Heilbron retired from her position as a judge in 1988.
Personal Life
In 1945, she married Dr Nathaniel Burstein, a physician from Dublin. Four years later, their daughter, Hilary, was born. Incidentally, Hilary followed in her mother’s footsteps and also pursued a career as a barrister.
Beyond her successful career, Heilbron was also active in public life. She was a member of Soroptimist International, a global organisation dedicated to promoting human rights and the status of women. She also served as an honorary colonel of the East Lancashire Battalion of the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC). As a prominent figure in Liverpool, she could afford to be a trendsetter. For example, she was said to be the first woman in the city to wear a calf-length evening dress.
It is also noted that she was a keen golfer and enjoyed walking.
The renowned barrister and judge passed away in a London nursing home in 2005.
And that is the life story of a remarkable woman from Liverpool. We hope you found this article informative and learned more about our city and its famous residents.