A Conversation with Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Segment Synopsis: Opens with a piece by Mozart performed by members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as tribute to Wayne Wisbaum. Bridget O'Connell, president of the Erie County Bar Association hosts event and offers opening remarks. She introduces Elizabeth Fox-Solomon, WNY chapter president of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, Brittany Jones, president of Minority Bar Association of WNY, Scott Becker, president of UB Law Alumni Association, and JoAnn Falletta, conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra who honors her friend Wayne Wisbaum's efforts at Kleinhan's and at getting Ruth Bader Ginsburg there. Scott Becker introduces Dean Aviva Abramovsky. Elizabeth Fox-Solomon introduces Justice Ginsburg.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Bar Association; Deans; US Supreme Court

Subjects: UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Partial Transcript: Sometimes the legislature is more in tune with the changing society than the court is.

Segment Synopsis: Justice Ginsburg tells a story of Wayne Wisbaum's tenacity in getting her to come to Buffalo. Tells of going to law school in 1957 and the issues facing women. Tells story of meeting with Dean Griswold at Harvard justifying her taking a seat from a man in law school. Elizabeth Fox Solomon asks Ginsburg about inspiring women. Recounts Belva Lockwood's story. "Sometimes the legislature is more in tune with the changing society than the court is." Burnita Shelton Matthews was the first woman to serve as a U.S. District Court judge. She was appointed in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, specialist in eminent domain, won a lawsuit for the National Women's Party. Ginsburg met her. Matthews only employed women law clerks. Abramovsky reads Justice Joseph Bradley's quote from 1870's case Bradwell v. State of Illinois, stating women mission of women. History of women in the Bar. As more women went into law, it gave other women the courage to go. 1972 big breakthrough was law schools over admitting women due to Vietnam. Women now serve in all areas. The 'closed door era' is over. She graduated in 1959 with no offers. Sandra Day O'Connor worked for four months without pay to get work.

Keywords: Being a Lawyer; Discrimination / Prejudice; Law School / Gender; Other Law Schools general; Significant Cases; Vietnam War; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; GENDER

Segment Synopsis: ACLU Advocate. 1948 case in State of Michigan where women could not tend bar unless related to male bar owner. Goesaert v. Cleary. Supreme Court upheld law. Hoyt v. Florida, 368 U.S. 57 (1961) Gwendolyn Hoyt was convicted of killing her abusive husband. Daughter born in 1955, working mom. Son born 10 years later, 1965. Saw the change in 10 years. Would add women's names to her briefs of the women who came before and have a chance to part of the effort to change gender issues. US Code changed to gender neutral. The way people were living changed (dual earners).

Keywords: Career / Gender; Children / Grandchildren; Gender; Significant Cases; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY HISTORY; GENDER; LAW

Partial Transcript: I hope one day there will people who care about this country, both Democrats and Republicans, who will come together and say, "Enough of this dysfunctional legislature. We are supposed to serve the people of the United States."

Segment Synopsis: Assessment of the current nominating and approval process for federal judges. Talks about her nomination process and Breyers. Process has fallen apart as the political divide has increased despite being well-qualified. Hopes one day judges will be confirmed the way they should be confirmed. Expansion of the Supreme Court. FDR tried it and failed and she hopes others will not attempt to expand court. Bridget O'Connell asks Ginsburg about Sandra Day O'Connor. Ginsburg relates O'Connor's close relationship and marriage proposal from William Rehnquist before she married John O'Connor. First case assignments. Stereotypes of women versus men. Advice from O'Connor. Brittney Jones asks followup question about missing Justice O'Connor and being the lone women on the court. Sisters-in-law on the bench now with Sotomayor and Kagan.

Keywords: Appointments; Gender; US Supreme Court; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; GENDER; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Partial Transcript: "Race-based voter discrimination still exists. This decision is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet." "You can exercise your religious freedom to the hilt, until your arm hits the other fella's nose."

Segment Synopsis: Relationship with Anton Scalia. Disagreed with most of what he said and intrigued with how he said it. Humorous comments he would make. Cared about good, concise writing. His father was a professor of Latin at Brooklyn College and his mother, a grammar school teacher. He was an excellent grammarian. 14th and 15th Amendment and recent challenges to right to vote, Shelby County v. Holder case. "This decision is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet." The Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed by overwhelming majority and had been renewed with overwhelming majorities. Basically, places where discrimination had existed had to get approval for changes in voting laws in those areas. If no discrimination over a period of years, there was a bail out clause. As soon as there was no more pre-clearance, there were efforts to deter people at the polls. Grave mistake on the Court's part. Gerrymandering in North Carolina. Representatives are drawing district lines so they can choose their voters. Case in Maryland about a giant cross installed on public land in 1925 as tribute to people in the country who died in WWI. Hobby Lobby dissent about not covering contraception for employees.

Keywords: Significant Cases; US Supreme Court

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW

Partial Transcript: "If you decide not to go to law school, no one will think the less of you. It's and OK choice to make. But if you really want to be a lawyer, you will pick yourself up and find a way."

Segment Synopsis: Scott Becker asks about juggling family and legal responsibilities. Relates her husband's work at the tax department he ran. He set tone. You can arrange your work efficiently so you can get it done. Importance of family dinners. Story about her 'lively' son. Teachers said hyperactive. After several calls from school, she asked that since he had 2 parents, they alternate the calls. Fewer calls to father. She would encourage her grandchildren into the practice of law. Daughter in law is a lawyer. Granddaughter is a lawyer and clerking, she is excited to repair some tears in our world by practicing law. Attributes her popularity to a second year law student, invented Tumblr and coined 'Notorious RBG.' People are looking for hope and something upbeat as a counter to the depressing news. Good advice she got from her father in law. "Do I want this badly enough?" Closing by Dean Abramovsky. Closing remarks by Brittney Jones.

Keywords: Advice; Career / Gender; Children / Grandchildren; Family; Practice

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY HISTORY; PERSONAL ISSUES