The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Statement on the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor 

December 4, 2023, San Francisco—The Bar Association of San Francisco joins the tributes to the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

Justice O’Connor thrived at Stanford Law School but, like far too many female legal professionals, struggled to get a job due to her gender, starting her career in the Bay Area as an unpaid Deputy County Attorney for San Mateo County. Her talent was quickly recognized, kick-starting a career in Arizona state politics and making her the most recently elected legislator appointed to the Supreme Court, which showed in her legal philosophy and decisions as a jurist.

Justice O’Connor was an ardent defender of gender rights, abortion rights, affirmative action, and an independent judiciary. She continued to advocate for civic education and the importance of an independent judiciary in her retirement.

Executive Director and General Counsel of BASF and JDC, Yolanda Jackson said, "Justice O’Connor’s work and beliefs outlined above align with a lot of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s work spanning many decades. She was a pioneer throughout her career and was a role model for many female lawyers and judges in our nation. Her beliefs on and work toward an independent judiciary is still critical now given the recent and current attacks on the judiciary at a national and local level.”

Justice O’Connor’s legacy as a trailblazer inspired thousands of lawyers and millions of Americans, and we send our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.