Belva Lockwood was widowed at the age of 24, after which she attended and graduated from Genesee College. She had been a teacher and continued to teach in New York state until going to Washington, DC, in 1868. In Washington she studied law at the National University Law School where she was not permitted to attend classes because she was a woman. Lockwood was tutored privately and graduated, although male students objected to her graduating with them. She did not receive her diploma. In 1873, she was admitted to the bar to practice in the lower courts. Lockwood drafted a bill for equal-pay-for-equal-work-by-women in civil service, which was enacted into law. She then drafted a bill, also enacted, allowing women to practice before the Supreme Court. She became the first woman to argue a case in that court. The Equal Rights Association nominated Lockwood for president in 1884 and 1888. At the time, women could be nominated for office, but could not vote.