We were deeply saddened to learn U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (known around the world as “RBG”) passed away recently. IWIRC members from around the globe fondly share how she made an impact, both personally and professionally.

Justice Ginsburg was our circuit justice here in the Second Circuit, and she attended our annual circuit conferences to give the report of the Supreme Court’s term. Over the years, I was fortunate to get to know her through those conferences and other interactions, including meetings of the ALI Council and several international conferences and workshops.  

Several years ago, I spoke with her after her remarks at one of our conferences, and asked if she would sign my pocket constitution. She was glad to do so. I invited her to sign on her favorite article or amendment - and of course, she signed on the 14th amendment, which was the centerpiece of much of her litigation as the director of the ACLU women’s rights project, and much of her most notable jurisprudence on the Supreme Court.  

It’s a heartbreaking loss to our courts and our country.

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Submitted by Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong

I met RBG in around 2000. I was part of the leadership of the ABA Litigation Section. We were meeting in Washington D.C. and were given a special tour of the U.S. Supreme Court. After the tour, there was a cocktail reception which several of the Justices attended. Justice Ginsburg came to the reception. She was wearing her classic lace collar. She made a point to meet all the women in the Litigation Section leadership individually, telling us how happy she was to see so many women litigators. She was incredibly gracious. When I told her I did bankruptcy litigation, she laughed and said something about bankruptcy jurisdiction being a never ending story.

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Submitted by Judith Elkin

My RBG memory is about her visit to Brooklyn Law School in 2001. I was invited to meet her with other Law Review members and had the opportunity to ask a question. I asked if it was ever difficult when the Justices disagreed on issues before the Court. She responded that it was not difficult because of the tremendous respect that they had for the position that they held which extended to respect for each other. This has always stuck with me.

Submitted by Lara Sheikh

Rest in Power RBG. 

Thank you for paving the way for me and many other women in the law and other professions. But for you, we would not be where we are today.

Submitted by Leyza Blanco

I am sharing two of my favorite quotes:

When asked what RBG wanted to be remembered for, she said – “Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.”

“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”

Submitted by Carina Oriel

Attached is my favourite quote of hers and something to bear in mind when considering #women on panels!

Submitted by Aisling Dwyer

Thank you for sharing, and thank you to RBG

for paving the way for so many!

As always, please continue to share your own

updates and news with news@iwirc.com. 

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