Meet Trish Bostrom, a sharp 72-year-old law professional who thrives in her downtown Seattle, Washington office, specializing in real estate, estate planning, and corporate law. As she navigates through her workdays, she engages with clients, crafts meticulously researched legal documents, and tackles complex probate issues. However, litigation is an area she has veered away from, attributing her absence to the demanding schedule it requires, hindering her annual trips to Indian Wells, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon.
Interestingly, Bostrom’s journey to her legal career was shaped by her experiences as a world-class tennis player. Growing up in Seattle, she faced gender discrimination while pursuing her passion for tennis, paving the way for her eventual entry into the legal realm. Despite encountering setbacks during her high school years, she remained steadfast in her pursuit, driven by the patterns of inequality she experienced early in her life.
During her time at the University of Washington, Bostrom challenged inequitable treatment and unequal opportunities for female athletes, sparking a lawsuit that led to significant reforms in women’s athletic programs, setting the stage for her illustrious legal career. Her dedication to this cause eventually culminated in winning the PAC-8 singles title and the national mixed doubles crown, solidifying her impact both on and off the tennis court.
Her tireless advocacy did not end there. As professional women’s tennis began to gain momentum, Bostrom worked alongside legends such as Billie Jean King to establish the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), leading to substantial advancements in women’s tennis, including equal pay at prestigious tournaments and improved housing conditions for players.
Even today, Bostrom continues to play a role in commemorating the significant milestones achieved in women’s tennis, undeterred by the challenges she faced in the past. The seismic impact she made in the sport and her unwavering commitment to her legal career exemplify her remarkable journey from an aspiring athlete to a trailblazing legal professional.
Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.