Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SAUER, Dorothy
SAUER, Dorothy. (Dubuque, IA c.1926-- ). In June, 1952 Sauer passed the Iowa bar examination. Making her accomplishment unique, she was believed to be the first woman attorney in Dubuque and she "read" law under the direction of a practicing attorney rather than attend law school.
Sauer graduated from IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY and received a one year scholarship to CLARKE COLLEGE in 1943. She enrolled in college the following fall, but was unable to continue because of financial reasons.
Sauer went to work in the law offices of Edgar Willging. When informed of her desire to study law, he suggested texts for her to study, supervised her work, and discussed the issues with her. It was the usual practice to require at least two years of formal college. This, however, was waived because of her work in Willging's office. Unfortunately Willging died before she passed the bar. She took over his practice. In 1953, the Iowa legislature began requiring a diploma from an accredited law school to earn a license to practice.
Active in the out-of-doors, Sauer's only planned vacation from study and work for three years was the first day of duck season each year. She was also a member of the Iowa Springer Spaniel Club and helped train dogs for retrieving. When she pitched softball for several years, her teams twice won the city championship. In 1952 she served as the treasurer of the Casino Ladies Bowling League.
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Source:
"City's Newest Attorney A Woman Who Never Went to Law School," Telegraph-Herald, June 22 1952, p.17