09.21.2020

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General News

In this moment of mourning, we join together in celebrating the extraordinary life and achievements of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Justice Ginsburg made monumental contributions to the advancement of equality in our profession and in our country.

Honoring a Trailblazer, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933 - 2020

When Justice Ginsburg entered law school in 1956, women accounted for less than three percent of the legal profession, and only one woman had ever served on a federal appellate court. After graduating at the top of her class, she did not receive a single job offer. Gender inequality was embedded in our legal system at every level.  

Through her visionary and tenacious advocacy, Justice Ginsburg brought about a profound transformation in our legal system. The cases she argued helped lay the foundation for equal treatment of women and men under the law. Her vision, and her strength and persistence in pursuit of that vision, helped establish gender equality as a core principle of our legal system.  

As a jurist, Justice Ginsburg embodied the values of intellectual rigor, legal craftsmanship, and commitment to the rule of law. Her opinions, whether in the majority or in dissent, reflected her deep dedication to ensuring equal protection under the law. She was known for her work ethic, her attention to detail, her graciousness and collegiality, and her razor-sharp wit. 

We honor the life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—a trailblazer, a role model, a historic figure in American law.