Brooklyn-born Lydia Kess unquestionably marked the history of redefining women’s roles and capabilities. She indeed became one of the first two female lawyers in a major Wall Street law firm. But how did she climb that formidable ladder, and what drove her to have any interest in law in the first place?
Lydia’s narrative is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Her trajectory from the slums of Brooklyn to becoming a pioneering lawyer on Wall Street encapsulates a journey marked by overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and carving her niche in a male-dominated legal landscape. Lydia’s life story sheds light on the struggles of the pursuit of one’s passion, and the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career with a Torah lifestyle.
Lydia’s formative years were set against the backdrop of Greenpoint, a grimy neighbourhood in Brooklyn, where she grew up as an only child. Her mother, a beloved public school teacher, instilled in her a love for education. Despite residing in a predominantly Roman Catholic neighbourhood with evident anti-Semitic sentiments, her mother’s dedication to teaching made them respected figures within the community. Lydia’s academic prowess paved the way for a transformative opportunity—an entrance exam to Hunter College High School, an elite institution in New Manhattan.
Securing admission to Hunter College High School marked a pivotal turning point in Lydia’s life, exposing her to a world of academic excellence and setting the stage for her aspirations towards a professional career. In those formative years, Lydia, influenced by her father’s advice and the absence of professional role models within her community, envisioned herself as a future educator, perceiving it as her only career option due to the lack of alternative prospects for women seeking professional futures.
Hashem had different plans for Lydia, though. A scholarship exam at Pace College veered her away from teaching and immersed her in the realm of public accounting. However, Lydia was not satisfied and felt that her calling lay elsewhere. Throughout her accounting training, Lydia became familiar with commercial law and independently decided that that’s where her future career lay.
Where to go from here, though? In those days, women didn’t get scholarships to law school. In fact, women hardly got scholarships for any kind of educational training at all. Although plagued by self doubt, Lydia tentatively applied for a scholarship at Brooklyn Law school, which was the only law school in New York which granted scholarships to women at that point in time.
Not only did Lydia receive her coveted scholarship, she graduated number one in her class! This marked a significant milestone for Lydia. However, penetrating the legal profession as a woman in an era entrenched in gender biases posed formidable challenges. Yet, her relentless determination bore fruit and ultimately led her to a prestigious law firm where she excelled and eventually became a partner—a feat unheard of for a woman during that time.
Lydia’s life story is an inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, defying odds, and carving a path in a world that often underestimates the potential of those from humble beginnings. Her journey from the gritty slums of Brooklyn to the prestigious corridors of Wall Street is a testament to the power of resilience of a woman navigating a world where all the odds were stacked against her.
Lydia’s groundbreaking journey as the one of the first two women lawyers to be promoted as partner on Wall Street was not without its challenges. In meetings, the initial expectation was often that she was there as a secretary, ready to take notes. In that event it was necessary to explain that she was, indeed, a full fledged member of the legal group, who was prepared to contribute to the discussions and proceedings. Her first office, which was shared with a secretary due to the lack of separate space, added a touch of comedic irony to her early experiences.
However, the firm Lydia worked was to be exceptional in its treatment and value of, and respect for, individuals. They entrusted her with mainstream work, avoiding assigning her menial tasks merely to keep her occupied. Instead, she received substantial assignments, including representing a major bank in a successful case, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Lydia’s progression within the firm led to a pivotal moment when she was voted into membership as a partner. For those unfamiliar with the legal hierarchy, law firms typically have different tiers: starting as an associate, moving to senior associate, and potentially advancing to counsel. Partnerships within the firm are distinguished between salary partners and percentage partners. During Lydia’s time, the structure consisted solely of percentage partners, representing a series of promotions and achievements culminating in reaching the esteemed level of partnership.
Lydia’s ascent from a perceived secretary in meetings to being recognized and promoted within the firm showcases her resilience and expertise in the legal domain. Her experiences exemplify the challenges faced by trailblazing women entering male-dominated professional arenas and the strides made in breaking through such barriers.
Balancing her demanding legal career with a Torah lifestyle also posed challenges, but Lydia combined meticulous organization, time management, and willingness to step up where others did not, that allowed for the successful balance of the two.
Lydia emphasizes that especially now, when we are in the throes of blatant anti semitism, we must conduct ourselves with the utmost respect and adherence in the workplace at all times. From the CEO of an empire – to the guy filling the coffee machine – they each deserve basic human recognition and gratitude.
Lydia’s life story is an inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, defying odds, and carving a path in a world that often underestimates the potential of those from humble beginnings. Her journey from the gritty slums of Brooklyn to the prestigious corridors of Wall Street is a testament to the power of resilience of a woman navigating a world where all the odds were stacked against her.
