Florence Ellinwood Allen (1884-1966) was a pioneering figure in American jurisprudence and the first woman to serve on a state supreme court and one of the first two women to serve as a United States federal judge. Her career was marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments that paved the way for women in the legal profession.

Born on March 23, 1884, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Allen grew up in a politically active family in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother, Corinne Tuckerman Allen, was a suffragist and former school teacher, and her father, Clarence Allen, was a professor and later a political figure. Influenced by her family's involvement in social and political issues, Allen developed a strong interest in women's rights and social justice from an early age.

Allen attended Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) and graduated in 1904. After a stint in music criticism and teaching, Allen pursued her legal education at New York University School of Law, where she earned her law degree in 1913. She faced significant obstacles due to her gender but was determined to make a mark in law, a field largely dominated by men at the time.

After returning to Ohio, Allen struggled to establish her legal practice but soon became active in the women's suffrage movement. She played a prominent role in campaigning for the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote. Her efforts in the suffrage movement helped raise her profile, and she entered politics. In 1920, Allen was elected as an assistant county prosecutor in Cuyahoga County, making her one of the first women in that role.

In 1922, Allen was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court, becoming the first woman to serve on any state supreme court in the United States. During her tenure, she distinguished herself through her thoughtful legal opinions and advocacy for judicial reform. Allen served on the Ohio Supreme Court until 1934, when she was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This appointment made her the first woman to serve on a United States Court of Appeals.

Throughout her federal judicial career, Allen was known for her profound legal intellect, rigorous ethical standards, and staunch advocacy for civil rights and liberties. She contributed significantly to the development of American law, particularly in the areas of labor rights and civil liberties. Allen also remained a strong advocate for women's rights, encouraging women to pursue legal careers and advocating for equal rights.

Florence Allen retired from the bench in 1959 after a distinguished career that spanned nearly four decades. She passed away on September 12, 1966, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession and a champion of justice and equality. Her life and career continue to inspire generations of lawyers and judges, particularly women, who aspire to make a difference through the legal system.