Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Originally from Kenton, Ohio, Barbara Bridge moved to Broward County when she was four years old and attended Pine Crest School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree and her law degree from Ohio State University. For over 15 years, Barbara practiced law in Columbus, OH and Broward, where she moved back to in 1964. Barbara spent 1952, her first year as an attorney searching for a job in Ohio. As one of a few female attorneys, Barbara was unable to find employment. Undeterred, in 1953, Barbara opened her own practice in Columbus, serving the community as she built her reputation.
Moving back to Broward in 1964, Barbara faced new challenges and in 1967 went into partnership with a Deerfield Beach law firm. In 1970, she ran for judge of the small claims court and served until 1972. It was in 1972 that Barbara ran for County Court and was elected as the first female County Court Judge. She held the position as Administrative Judge from 1972 to 1977.
In 1977, Governor Reubin Askew appointed Barbara to the Broward County Circuit Court bench. The second woman to be awarded this position, she was selected from six candidates and paid $36,000 a year. An advocate for the juvenile division, Barbara preferred working with children. She understood and saw the value of the worthwhile work and what help she could provide with her position.
History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection