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Program

Research Programs: Summer Stipends

Period of Performance

7/1/2012 - 8/31/2012

Funding Totals

$6,000.00 (approved)
$6,000.00 (awarded)

Fair Labor: The Life and Work of Bessie Margolin (1909-1996)

FAIN: FT-60310-12

Marlene Trestman
Unaffiliated Independent Scholar (Baltimore, MD 21208-4309)

I seek NEH funds to conduct research to complete the first biography of Bessie Margolin, who retired in 1972 as Associate Solicitor of Labor with a remarkable Supreme Court record--she won 25 of 28 cases she argued. Raised in a New Orleans Jewish orphanage with excellent educational opportunities, Margolin proved her yearbook photo caption, "Knowledge is Power." With law degrees from Tulane & Yale, Margolin's legal career encompassed three national historical events: defending the New Deal's TVA(1933); creating rules for Nazi War Crimes Subsequent Proceedings (1946); and designing national litigation strategy to enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act and Equal Pay Act (1939-1972). In the words of Chief Justice Earl Warren, Margolin "proved equality [for women] in a man's world." Tracing the ways in which she shaped and was shaped by American Society, Margolin's biography is as valuable to scholars in law, legal history, and women's legal history as it is to a general audience.

Media Coverage

Lawyer, Feminist, Mentor: A New Biography Gives Bessie Margolin Her Due (Review)
Author(s): Stephen H. Sachs
Publication: Baltimore Sun
Date: 3/17/2016
Abstract: Released in time for Women's History Month, Marlene Trestman's Fair Labor Lawyer presents a "prodigiously researched, well-crafted and highly readable" biography of pioneering Supreme Court advocate Bessie Margolin.
URL: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-trestman-morgolin-20160316-story.html

Book Review: Fair Labor Lawyer: The Remarkable Life of New Deal Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Bessie Margolin (Review)
Author(s): Andree Blumstein
Publication: Tennessee Bar Journal
Date: 4/1/2016
Abstract: Marlene Trestman's biography of Bessie Margolin is "an inspiring, instructive and compelling story. As one would expect from a top-flight lawyer, this consequential story is meticulously researched, well documented and skillfully told."
URL: http://www.tba.org/journal/fair-labor-lawyer

Fair Labor Lawyer: Bessie Margolin's Journey from New Orleans Orphanage to Supreme Court Advocate (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Lilith
Date: 3/21/2016
URL: http:/http://lilith.org/blog/2016/03/fair-labor-lawyer-bessie-margolin-supreme-court-advocate/

Author Chronicles Accomplishments of Lawyer Bessie Margolin (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: New Orleans Advocate
Date: 3/1/2016
URL: http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/article_ce5a521c-bdd4-5948-a069-f62d492da322.html

The Parallel Lives of Two Jewish Orphans: Bessie Margolin and Her Biographer, Marlene Trestman (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, Fresh Ideas
Date: 2/15/2016
URL: http://blogs.brandeis.edu/freshideasfromhbi/the-parallel-lives-of-two-jewish-orphans-bessie-margolin-and-her-biographer-marlene-trestman/

Trailblazing Attorney Bessie Margolin (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: PBS "To The Contrary" Extra
Date: 3/4/2016
URL: http://www.pbs.org/to-the-contrary/watch/5666/ttc-extra_trailblazing-attorney-bessie-margolin

Interview with Marlene Trestman, author of Fair Labor Lawyer (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Rose Scott, radio host
Publication: Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE 90.1 (Atlanta public radio)
Date: 3/22/2017
Abstract: Ten-minute radio interview with Marlene Trestman, author of Fair Labor Lawyer
URL: http://news.wabe.org/post/closer-look-service-dogs-bessie-margolin-and-more

Book Review: Exceptionally a Lawyer: A Biography of an Incredibly Accomplished Lawyer and Advocate (Review)
Author(s): David I. Grunfeld
Publication: Philadelphia Lawyer
Date: 1/1/2017
Abstract: "This is a fascinating and readable biography of Bessie Margolin, the most accomplished lawyer I never heard of."
URL: http://www.philadelphiabar.org/WebObjects/PBA.woa/Contents/WebServerResources/CMSResources/TPL_Winter17_bookreview.pdf

726 Women Lawyers Carve a Legacy at Supreme Court Lecturn (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: National Law Journal
Date: 3/15/2017
Abstract: "Who are the women who have argued at the U.S. Supreme Court throughout history? Author Marlene Trestman wanted to know."
URL: http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=1202781353234/726-Women-Carve-a-Legacy-at-the-Supreme-Court-Lectern?mcode=1202615432728&curindex=0&back=NLJ&slreturn=20170823164314

TV interview: The Audacious Bessie Margolin: Trailblazing Lawyer (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Rebecca Lubetkin
Publication: New Directions for Women, Morris County NJ NOW
Date: 7/1/2017
Abstract: Half-hour television news interview with Marlene Trestman about Bessie Margolin, founding member of National Organization for Women
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PNCTtFKSZ0

Book Review: Fair Labor Lawyer (Review)
Author(s): Bryant Etheridge
Publication: Journal of Southern History, vol. 83, No. 2, May 2017, pp 467-468
Date: 5/1/2017
Abstract: "This is a very well-written and well-crafted biography."
URL: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/658094/summary

Book Review, Fair Labor Lawyer (Review)
Author(s): Geraldine Gudefin
Publication: American Jewish History, Vol. 101, No. 2, Apr. 2017, 323-325
Date: 4/1/2017
Abstract: "An important contribution to the history of Jews, gender and labor, Marlene Trestman's book reminds us of how unexplored the history of Jewish women in the legal profession remains, and how much exciting research lies ahead of us."
URL: https://nebula.wsimg.com/59c8699a3a593cf2f796c5524284a93d?AccessKeyId=9439798461CE24127E0F&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Alumni Authors (Media Coverage)
Publication: George Washington University Alumni Magazine
Date: 6/1/2017
Abstract: Brief description of the book
URL: http://magazine.gwu.edu/writing-in-and-of-the-dark

Book Review: Fair Labor Lawyer (Review)
Author(s): Britt P. Tevis
Publication: American Jewish Archives Journal
Date: 4/1/2017
Abstract: "Trestman's book, like Margolin's career, is truly remarkable."

Book Review: Fair Labor Lawyer: No longer the weaker vessel (Review)
Author(s): Hon. George T. Anagnost
Publication: Arizona Attorney Magazine
Date: 9/1/2016
URL: http://www.azattorneymag-digital.com/azattorneymag/201609?folio=26&pg=29#pg29

Breaking Glass Ceilings: Bessie Margolin and 'The Woman Card'" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Bella Book
Publication: Jewish Women's Archive website
Date: 8/31/2016
URL: https://jwa.org/blog/breaking-glass-ceilings-bessie-margolin-and-woman-card

Bessie Margolin: A Woman Ahead of Her Time (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Connie Savitt Sandler
Publication: Alpha Epsilon Phi Columns Magazine
Date: 8/15/2016

Q&A with Marlene Trestman on Fair Labor Lawyer: SCOTUS Advocate Finds Place in History (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Suzanne Monyak
Publication: National Law Journal
Date: 7/27/2016
URL: http://www.law.com/sites/articles/2016/07/27/qa-marlene-trestman-on-fair-labor-lawyer/?slreturn=20161125140755

"Willebrandt, Carloss, Margolin & Rosenberg: Four 20th Century Superstars of the Supreme Court Bar (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Marlene Trestman
Publication: Women Lawyers Journal, 101, No. 2 (July 2016): 18-23.
Date: 7/25/2016
URL: http://www.nawl.org/p/cm/ld/fid=83

Book Review, Fair Labor Lawyer (Review)
Author(s): Randi Melnick
Publication: New York State Bar Association Inside Magazine
Date: 12/1/2016
Abstract: "This reader very much appreciated the opportunity to get to 'know' and be grateful for a pioneer who made my path a little bit easier."

Book Talk at FDR Presidential Library (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: C-SPAN
Date: 6/18/2016
Abstract: C-SPAN coverage of Marlene Trestman's presentation about her book, Fair Labor Lawyer, at the FDR Presidential Library
URL: https://www.c-span.org/video/?410339-5/marlene-trestman-discusses-fair-labor-lawyer

Mark Klobas of New Books Network Interviews Marlene Trestman (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Date: 6/27/2016
Abstract: Mark Klobas of New Books Network interviews author Marlene Trestman about Fair Labor Lawyer, the first biography of legal trailblazer Bessie Margolin
URL: http://newbooksnetwork.com/marlene-trestman-fair-labor-lawyer-the-remarkable-life-of-new-deal-attorney-and-supreme-court-advocate-bessie-margolin-louisiana-state-up-2016/

Melvin I. Urofsky, Book Review: Fair Labor Lawyer (Review)
Author(s): Melvin I. Urofsky
Publication: Southern Jewish History 19:215-218 (2016)
Date: 9/1/2016
Abstract: "Bessie Margolin had an amazingly interesting life... We should be grateful for what Trestman has achieved. It is an absorbing story told well."
URL: http://www.jewishsouth.org/about-southern-jewish-history

Jewish Women International: 7 Books About Women Worth Knowing (Media Coverage)
Publication: Jewish Women International website
Date: 9/26/2016
Abstract: JWI includes Fair Labor Lawyer among 7 books about "Women Worth Knowing"
URL: https://www.jwi.org/articles/women-worth-knowing

Supreme Court Historical Society Interviews Author of Fair Labor Lawyer (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Clare Cushman
Publication: Supreme Court Historical Society Website
Date: 9/1/2016
Abstract: Clare Cushman of the Supreme Court Historical Society interviews Marlene Trestman, author of Fair Labor Lawyer
URL: https://vimeo.com/174265551

Tulane University Acquires Bessie Margolin Papers (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Leon Miller, Archivist, Louisiana Resource Collection
Publication: Louisiana Resource Collection Newsletter
Date: 9/1/2016
Abstract: Margolin biographer, Marlene Trestman, organized papers and authored finding aid
URL: http://larc.tulane.edu/sites/default/files/larc/newsletter/2016/august/larc_newsletter_august_2016.html

The Reading Life: Susan Larson Interviews Author Marlene Trestman (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: WWNO's The Reading Life
Date: 3/8/2016
URL: http://wwno.org/post/reading-life-tennessee-williams-festival-marlene-trestman-and-rickey-laurentiis

JCRS Honoree Trestman's "Fair Labor Lawyer" being released by LSU Press (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Date: 3/4/2016
URL: http://www.crescentcityjewishnews.com/trestmans-fair-labor-lawyer-being-released-by-lsu-press/

When Two Stories Intertwine: EMBA graduate pens biography of Supreme Court advocate (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Date: 3/11/2016
URL: http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/alumni/11860/when-two-stories-intertwine

Radio Interview: Bessie Margolin: A Chronicle of a Remarkable Life (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: WYPR "Maryland Morning With Tom Hall"
Date: 3/30/2016
URL: http://wypr.org/post/bessie-margolin-chronicle-remarkable-life#stream/0

Q&A: The Pioneering Female New Deal Lawyer Who Went From An Orphans' Home to the Supreme Court (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: The National Book Review
Date: 4/7/2016
URL: http://www.thenationalbookreview.com/features/2016/4/7/6jfy6k2zwyuskfyy7ck3s128vd3ows

C-SPAN - Book Discussion at Gaithersburg Book Festival (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: C-SPAN
Date: 5/21/2016
Abstract: Video of Marlene Trestman discussing her book, Fair Labor Lawyer, at Gaithersburg, MD Book Festival
URL: https://www.c-span.org/video/?409627-9/book-discussion-mary-mcgrory-fair-labor-lawyer

Associated Products

Fair Labor Lawyer: The Remarkable Life of New Deal Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Bessie Margolin (Book)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer: The Remarkable Life of New Deal Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Editor: Andrew Burstein
Abstract: From the New Orleans Jewish orphanage in which Bessie Margolin was raised to the United States Supreme Court in which she championed the rights of America's workers, Fair Labor Lawyer recounts the inspiring and improbable journey of this 20th century trailblazer and reluctant feminist.
Year: 2016
Access Model: Purchase hard copies and via Kindle
Publisher: LSU Press Southern Biography Series
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780807162088
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

Women Advocates Before the Supreme Court, From October Term 1880 through December 2016 (Article)
Title: Women Advocates Before the Supreme Court, From October Term 1880 through December 2016
Author: Marlene Trestman
Abstract: My essay and bar graphs accompany the never-before compiled list of all women who argued before the United States Supreme Court up through December 2016
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://supremecourthistory.org/history_oral_advocates.html
Primary URL Description: Website for the Supreme Court Historical Society.
Secondary URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsch.12148/abstract
Secondary URL Description: Wiley online library, Journal of Supreme Court History
Access Model: The essay and lists are available open access on the Supreme Court Historical Society's website. The essay was also published in the Journal of Supreme Court History, available by subscription only/
Format: Journal
Format: Other
Periodical Title: Journal of Supreme Court History
Publisher: Supreme Court Historical Society

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin.
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 09/13/2017
Location: Catholic University Law School
Primary URL: http://www.law.edu/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D237096314
Primary URL Description: Catholic University Law School website

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 09/18/2017
Location: JCC of Northern Virginia - Landsdowne Woods Clubhouse, Leesburg VA
Primary URL: http://www.jccnv.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Adults&refno=187989
Primary URL Description: JCC of NV

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 06/03/2017
Location: League of Women Voters of Baltimore County, Annual Meeting, Country Club of Maryland

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 05/16/2017
Location: Sobeloff Jewish Law Society, Alliance of Black Women Attorneys and Women's Bar Association of MD, at the Associated Jewish Charities, Baltimore MD

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 04/30/2017
Location: Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid South, at the Memphis Jewish Community Center

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 04/06/2017
Location: Edward A, Myerberg Senior Center, Baltimore, MD

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 04/05/2017
Location: Pikesville Library, Baltimore MD

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 04/05/2017
Location: Pikesville Library, Baltimore MD

Equal Pay Day Author's Panel (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Equal Pay Day Author's Panel
Abstract: Panel Presentation about historic and current equal pay challenges
Author: Marlene Trestman with Gillian Thomas
Date: 04/04/2017
Location: Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia, at the law offices of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison, Washington DC

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 03/21/2017
Location: National Labor Relations Board, Washington, DC

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 01/19/2017
Location: Tulane University Law School

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 01/19/2017
Location: Tulane University Law School

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin.
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 11/6/2016
Location: Houston Jewish Community Center, Houston TX

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and career of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 10/05/2016
Location: Economic Policy Institute, Washington DC

Fair Labor Lawyer (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fair Labor Lawyer
Abstract: Multi-media presentation about the life and work of Bessie Margolin
Author: Marlene Trestman
Date: 09/28/2016
Location: Yale Law School, New Haven CT

Bessie Margolin - WWII Exhibit, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (Exhibition)
Title: Bessie Margolin - WWII Exhibit, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Curator: Anna Tucker and Marlene Trestman
Abstract: In its permanent exhibit about Jews in WWII, the MSJE included Bessie Margolin's May 1946 Nuremberg War Crimes Identification Card, relating to her service as an attorney for the US army.
Year: 2020