Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female justice in the US Supreme Court, recently passed away at the age of 93. Appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, O’Connor continued her prestigious tenure until 2006, and her former law clerks are testifying to the crucially informative and inspirational role she played in their careers.
Marci Hamilton, a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania, recalls O’Connor’s inherent ability to approach the law with her own unique perspective. O’Connor carried an impressive set of skills and character traits from her experiences as a star law student at Stanford Law, Arizona state legislator, Supreme Court Judge, outstanding athlete, and pragmatic individual. Hamilton notes that she was a master of discipline, strategy, and bridge-building who exhibited neither dogma nor personal agenda in her cases. O’Connor’s important contributions include preserving Roe v. Wade and translating the principle of separation of the church and state into the modern era.
Tamarra Matthews Johnson, a partner at Wilkinson Stekloff, reflects on how O’Connor became an example of how to manage work and personal life. Despite her immense workload, O’Connor emphasized the importance of good humor, excellence, and hard work. O’Connor’s ability to share regular life experiences with her clerks, such as hosting lunch or going to see the cherry blossoms, had a profound impact on Johnson.
Carolyn Frantz, co-head of the Public Companies & ESG group at Orrick, believes working with O’Connor led to a significant shift in her personal and professional outlook. O’Connor’s impactful ‘clerk field trips’, despite her hectic work schedule, signified that even those with critical roles should take time out for personal enjoyment. Her broader application of law was equally influential, advising Frantz that understanding the context and impact of a legal question is as important as the legal answer itself.
Overall, all three former clerks agree that Sandra Day O’Connor’s pragmatic view of the law, strong commitment to excellence, and humane approach have left an indelible mark on their careers. Her teachings extend beyond the scope of law, serving as lifelong lessons for living a balanced life.
Original article can be found here.