Justice Sotomayor event

Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a Zoom “Conversation with Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court of the United States” sponsored by the Sacramento Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and Sacramento Foundation.

Chief Judge of the Eastern District of California Kimberly Mueller welcomed the participants in the event. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire, who for several years has taught Civil Rights Law at UC Davis School of Law, introduced Justice Sotomayor. The introduction was followed by questions posed by federal court staff to the justice. Meena Visavanathan `19, who is clerking for Judge Troy Nunley in the federal court in Sacramento, posed one of the questions.

In a candid and generous discussion, Justice Sotomayor, who served as a federal district court and court of appeals judge before she was appointed to the Supreme Court, mentioned that, if she ever assumes senior status, she will choose to return to the district court. She also identified her mother as her most significant role model, explained the importance of judges engaging in civil education, and much more.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to learn about Justice Sotomayor. As well as generous in spirit, she is thoughtful, optimistic, and inspirational.