Graduating from Pitt Law in 1927, Anne X. Alpern began her legal career during a time when opportunities for women in law were limited. Her tenacity and exceptional skill quickly set her apart, leading to her appointment as Pittsburgh’s city solicitor in 1942, the first woman to hold this role. Alpern's groundbreaking achievements continued as she became the Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 1959, the first woman in the United States to serve in such a high office. Her tenure in these roles showcased her commitment to justice and reform, leaving an enduring legacy in both Pittsburgh and state government.
Born in Russia in 1903, Alpern immigrated with her family to the United States shortly after her birth, settling in Scenery Hill near Pittsburgh. Her early fascination with the law, coupled with the encouragement of her father, Joseph Alpern, set her on a path of exceptional accomplishment.
Initially training as a teacher, Alpern earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1923. Her ambition to pursue a legal career led her to return to the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her law degree in 1927. Alpern’s early legal career began with Cunningham Galbraith & Dickson, a local law firm where she faced the prevalent gender biases of the era. Despite these challenges, her abilities were evident when she successfully argued a difficult case with minimal preparation, a practice she continued throughout her career.
In 1934, Alpern joined the Pittsburgh city solicitor’s office under Ward Bonsall, tackling a significant backlog of cases. Her diligent work on landmark cases, such as Westinghouse Air Brake Co. v. City of Pittsburgh, saved the city millions and earned her a promotion to first assistant city solicitor in 1935. Her remarkable legal skills and courtroom presence led to her appointment as city solicitor by Mayor Scully in 1942, making her the first woman to hold this position in Pittsburgh’s history. She was also admitted to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1946.
Alpern’s tenure as city solicitor was marked by her commitment to public service, including efforts to control smoke pollution, improve public transit, and fight government corruption. Her impartiality and dedication sometimes led to friction with certain groups, yet she remained steadfast in her mission to serve the public good.
In 1953, Alpern’s career took another historic turn when she was elected as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, receiving strong bipartisan support. Her groundbreaking achievements continued in 1959 when Governor Lawrence appointed her as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, making her the first woman in the United States to hold such a high office. As Attorney General, Alpern focused on reducing court case backlogs, safeguarding charitable funds, and investigating voting fraud. Her reform efforts, including a proposed Division of Consumer Protection, showcased her commitment to justice and effective governance.
In 1961, Alpern was offered a position with the Federal Power Commission by John F. Kennedy but chose to remain in Pennsylvania. Later that year, she was appointed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. Although she narrowly lost the election for a full term in November 1961, partly due to political opposition and controversial decisions, she continued to serve with distinction on the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
Alpern’s contributions to the legal field were recognized with numerous awards, including being named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania in 1952 and receiving the Anne X. Alpern Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1994. Her commitment to community service was evident through her work with various charitable organizations and her active role on boards such as the United Jewish Federation and Action Housing.
Anne X. Alpern retired in 1974 and joined the law firm Berkman Ruslander Pohl Lieber & Engel. She passed away in Pittsburgh in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and a profound impact on the legal profession. Her life and career continue to inspire, exemplifying the power of perseverance, dedication, and trailblazing spirit in advancing the role of women in law.