The Law in Her Hands 1936

Two waitresses become lawyers

Mary Wentworth and Dorothy Davis pass the New York bar exam and begin their careers as lawyers. They navigate a male-dominated field with determination, forming a rare collaborative partnership. Their relationship with their employer Franz provides the setting for the early days of their practice.

Photo just before the smoke bomb

Franz inadvertently photographs a gangster moments before he ignites a smoke bomb in the restaurant. The attack is meant to intimidate Franz into joining a protection racket run by Frank Gordon. The photo becomes a crucial piece of evidence linking the gangster to the crime.

First prosecution led by Robert Mitchell

The gangster is arrested and the case goes to trial. Robert Mitchell, Mary's boyfriend, prosecutes the case while Mary and Dorothy contribute key evidence. The courtroom becomes a test of Mary’s budding legal skill against organized crime.

Mary and Dorothy prove the defendant's location

At the trial, Gordon seeks witnesses to deny the gangster’s presence at the restaurant. Mary and Dorothy present the photograph, establishing the defendant’s location and credibility. Gordon is impressed by Mary’s performance and later offers her a job.

Mary declines Gordon's offer

Gordon offers to hire Mary as his lawyer, hoping to pull her into the underworld’s orbit. She declines the invitation, choosing to stay clear of Gordon's criminal activities. The moment marks a clear line between her integrity and Gordon’s influence.

Corrupt attempt and a woman's resolve

A corrupt lawyer plants a bottle of liquor in a coat that Mary had submitted as evidence, causing her to lose her first case. Robert Mitchell comes to believe that the law is not a suitable profession for a woman and asks Mary to abandon her career to marry him. Mary’s resolve begins to sharpen in response to this setback.

A pledge to persevere for a year

Mary declares that she will persevere in the law and not give up despite the setback. She sets a personal challenge: if she cannot find success within a year, she will consider marrying Robert as he wishes. Her vow signals a determination to prove herself.

A test case and a courtroom victory against Robert

Robert suggests Mary take on a case involving a man who has already confessed as a trial of her abilities. Later, Mary uses a similar strategic move to challenge Robert in court and defeats him. The victory reinforces her growing reputation in the legal world.

Mary joins Gordon as a client; firm grows

Mary finally accepts Gordon as a client, joining the criminal enterprise in a professional capacity. Her involvement helps the fledgling law firm expand into a large, busy operation with substantial work. The partnership marks a turning point in her career trajectory.

Milk poisoning case prompts a crisis of conscience

Mary learns that Gordon's gang was responsible for poisoning milk, causing multiple deaths. The revelation forces her to rethink remaining with Gordon’s side. She begins to doubt whether she can continue representing him without compromising her ethics.

Confronting Gordon in court

Gordon pressures Mary to defend him despite the poisoning case. In a pivotal courtroom moment, she turns on him, accusing him of the crimes and helping secure a conviction. The act solidifies her commitment to justice over loyalty to her client.

Disbarment is pursued and won

Mary pursues an appeal to be disbarred and succeeds, choosing to sever her official ties with the bar. The disbarment symbolizes a formal break from the legal profession she had been building. It underscores the complexities of her relationship with law and morality.