THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Judith A. Lonnquist

“Those Who Don’t Know History are Doomed to Repeat It.”

Plaintiff employment and labor attorney.  Former General Counsel to the Washington Education Association. Legal counsel and employment committee chair of Chicago NOW (1968 – 1969). NOW national board (1969 – 1973). National NOW legal vice president and board member of NOW LDEF (1971 – 1974). Co-president of the Seattle (WA) chapter of NOW (1974 – 1978). As NOW legal VP, established and maintained a national registry of lawyers willing to volunteer on NOW-generated cases. Brought litigation on NOW’s behalf challenging inadequate EEOC class settlements, such as the steel industry settlement. Lobbied on NOW’s behalf for the Fair Credit Act, amendments to the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, and for Title IX. Chair of the WA State delegation to the IWY conference 1977. Founder of the Northwest Women’s Law Center. 

Interviewed by Victory Lonnquist, August, 2020

Photo 1. Judith, 1971. Photo 2. Judith Lonnquist speaking at Washington Women’s Conference, Ellensburg, July 9, 1977 (Photo by Charlyn Ashmore).