The World Needs More Ruth Bader Ginsburgs

LSAC joins the entire legal community and nation in mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and we offer our condolences to her family and friends. She was a true giant of American jurisprudence and a tireless champion for justice and equal opportunity.

Justice Ginsburg was also a pioneer – not only the second woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but also one of the most important figures in the history of the movement for equal rights and opportunities for women. 

Her passion for justice, her tenacity in pursuit of equity and opportunity, and her commitment to the rule of law will continue to serve as inspiration and motivation for us to do our part to make our world a better place.

In these challenging times, we need an entire generation of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs to step forward and fight for a more just and prosperous society.

I had the honor of being in the presence of Justice Ginsberg many times. Each one I will treasure all my life. Most recently, she spoke to a standing room only crowd at the 2020 AALS Annual meeting. But one interaction stands out. At a Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference where we were both at a small dinner, she said, “Congratulations. I hear you are the first woman to be the dean of the University of Washington’s law school.” “Yes,” I said, “Thank you.” “Kellye, let’s be frank — it is about time — isn’t that school about 100 years old? I hope you make up for lost time.” 

I remain committed to that goal. 

Justice Ginsburg inspired an entire generation of young people – particularly young women – to see the human and social impact of our judicial system, as well as a pathway for themselves to effect change in the world through law and advocacy. 

I hope this beautiful remembrance by the New York Times becomes required reading in high school civics classes across the country. And even more importantly, I hope her story inspires an entire generation of young people to pursue legal education as a way to express their values and ideas. 

In these challenging times, we need an entire generation of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs to step forward and fight for a more just and prosperous society.

Kellye Y. Testy
President & CEO, LSAC