What Is Gloria Allred’s Net Worth?
Gloria Allred, a prominent American attorney, has established a substantial net worth of $20 million. This wealth is primarily a result of her decades-long career in law, marked by high-profile cases and media appearances. Her work as a lawyer specializing in women’s rights has made her a recognizable figure in the legal and media landscapes.
Early Life and Education
Gloria Allred was born Gloria Bloom on July 3, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born to a working-class Jewish family, her mother, Stella, was a British-born housewife, and her father, Morris, worked as a salesman. During her teenage years, Allred attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Later, she enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with honors. She then pursued graduate studies at New York University, developing an interest in the emerging civil rights movement. After completing her master’s degree, Allred worked as a teacher. In 1966, she moved to Los Angeles, where she taught at Fremont High School and Jordan High School while also working for the Los Angeles Teachers Association. In 1968, Gloria enrolled at Southwestern University School of Law and subsequently transferred to Loyola Marymount University’s School of Law. After graduating in 1975, she was admitted to the State Bar of California.
Beginning of Legal Career and Notable Cases
In early 1976, Allred co-founded the law firm Allred, Maroko & Goldberg with her fellow Loyola graduates. One of her early significant cases came in 1979 when she represented seven children and their parents in a lawsuit against the Sav-On Drugstore chain, aimed at ending the store’s practice of gender-segregating toys. Another notable legal event occurred in 1981 when Gloria presented California State Senator John G. Schmitz with a chastity belt during a hearing on outlawing abortions. Following an insulting press release from Schmitz, Allred sued him for libel, eventually securing a settlement of $20,000.
In 1987, Gloria challenged the Friars Club of Beverly Hills, a private show business club that, at the time, was exclusively male. Focusing on its discriminatory membership policies, she and five other women eventually gained access to the Club’s health facilities. In 1992, Allred wrote a letter to the Senate Ethics Committee, urging an investigation into Oregon Senator Bob Packwood’s alleged sexual misconduct. Her persistence led to the Committee voting for Packwood’s expulsion, prompting his resignation. In 1995, Gloria represented 11-year-old Katrina Yeaw in Yeaw v. Boy Scouts of America, a case that questioned the organization’s right to exclude girls. Also in 1995, Allred represented Nicole Brown Simpson’s family during the O. J. Simpson murder trial.
Two years later, she represented model Kelly Fisher, who sued Dodi Fayed for breaking their engagement to date Princess Diana. However, the suit was dropped after Fayed and Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris. In 1997, Allred achieved a significant victory representing “Melrose Place” actress Hunter Tylo, who sued producer Aaron Spelling for firing her due to her pregnancy. Gloria successfully argued against Spelling, and the jury awarded Tylo $4.8 million. This case helped establish actors’ rights to continue working while pregnant. Over the years, Gloria Allred continued to handle many high-profile cases throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Among them, she represented the family of Gwen Araujo, a transgender teen who was beaten to death, and later Amber Frey, a witness in the criminal case against murderer Scott Peterson. In 2004, she addressed LGBTQ rights by filing a lawsuit in California, alleging that it was unconstitutional to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex couples, affirming their right to marry in the state.
Later Cases and Advocacy
In many of her other cases, Allred has fought against corporate age discrimination, sexual harassment, exploitation, unlawful termination, and for the rights of women and LGTBQ individuals. She represented at least 28 women who accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault and three women who made sexual abuse allegations against Donald Trump. Additionally, Gloria has represented clients in suits against celebrities such as David Boreanaz, Scott Lee Cohen, R. Kelly, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Anthony Weiner. These cases, often involving significant financial settlements and judgments, have contributed to her financial success and solidified her reputation as a staunch advocate for victims’ rights.
Allred’s approach often involves leveraging public opinion to effect change, making her a frequent presence in the media. Her willingness to engage with the press has made her a well-known figure in popular culture, bringing greater public attention to the issues at the heart of her legal battles.
Media Career
Beyond her legal work, Gloria Allred hosted a radio talk show with Mark Taylor on Los Angeles’ KABC for 14 years. In 1990, she was a panelist on a revival of the television game show “To Tell the Truth.” In the early 2000s, Gloria appeared as herself in the comedy film “Rat Race.” In 2011, she began presenting the television court program “We the People with Gloria Allred,” which used improv actors to reenact fictitious cases. Among her other media appearances, Allred was on the reality competition show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as an interviewer and advisor to the contestants, and she appeared as herself on the comedy series “Graves.” These media engagements have not only boosted her public profile but also contributed to her overall income.
Real Estate Assets: Malibu Mansion
In 2008, Gloria Allred acquired a beachfront condo in Malibu for $5.67 million. The 2,600-square-foot condo features two bedrooms, four bathrooms, a game room, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. This real estate investment represents a significant portion of her assets and reflects her financial success. The property’s prime location and luxurious amenities add to its value, contributing to her overall net worth.
Personal Life
While at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960, Allred met and married her first husband, Peyton Huddleston Bray Jr.; together, they had a daughter, Lisa. Today Lisa, known as Lisa Bloom, is also a famous lawyer. In 1962, the pair divorced. In 1968, Gloria wed William Allred. The couple divorced in 1987.
Her influence extends into political activism, where she has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and supporting victims of discrimination and abuse. Beyond her work as a lawyer, Allred co-hosted a radio talk show with Mark Taylor on Los Angeles’ KABC. She has been an active public speaker and author, further using these platforms to advocate for women’s rights and equality.