The world prepares to pay its final respects to the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, as her body lies in repose at the Great Hall of the US Supreme Court and a memorial service is planned at the National Cathedral. Justice O’Connor stands out not just as the first woman to serve on the high court, but as a trailblazing jurist, lawyer, former state legislator, and American patriot. Her legacy transcends her contributions to the law, leaving indelible life lessons for those privileged to interact closely with her, and inspiring many around the globe. A firsthand reflection on Justice O’Connor’s profound impact was aptly captured by Ivan Fong, a law clerk to the Justice in the late 1980s, in his recent piece at Bloomberg Law.
According to Mr. Fong, the wisdom he acquired from his tenure with Justice O’Connor extended beyond applied jurisprudence and the workings of the highest court. Such lessons included appreciating the importance of balancing work and personal life, confidently forging ahead without constantly second-guessing past decisions, and being with the right life partner.
Justice O’Connor had a thoughtful tradition of taking her law clerks on monthly outings to cultural sites, and even cooking for them on Saturdays to discuss upcoming court cases. These personal moments with her staff, and her special attention to the children of her law clerks—a group she fondly referred to as “grandclerks”—noted Mr. Fong, were equally as memorable as the legal experiences shared in the court.
Recalling his first meeting with Justice O’Connor, Mr. Fong highlights an aphorism stitched on a pillow next to her sofa, “Sometimes in error, never in doubt.” This embodied her approach to both her life and profession, as she often made decisions affirmatively, without obsessing over potential mistakes or expressing doubt.
Justice O’Connor’s relationship with her husband, John Jay O’Connor, also provided an essential life lesson for Mr. Fong. Notwithstanding a rigorous professional and social schedule, and a personal battle with breast cancer, Justice O’Connor always made time for her husband. Her decision to resign from the Supreme Court in 2006 following John’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was a testament of her profound devotion and dedication.
Justice O’Connor also invested herself in the growth of practical solutions for societal issues, actively aiming to connect individuals of differing perspectives. Her efforts in advancing the iCivics program, aimed at making civics education more engaging for youngsters, testifies to her enduring push for common values that bind the nation.
For Mr. Fong, the value of life lessons he learned from Justice O’Connor goes beyond any legal education. These timeless teachings, especially in the realms of life, love, and work, serve as a tribute to her longstanding legacy.