NWLC Statement on the Nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court

For Immediate Release: May 26, 2009

Contact: Adrienne Ammerman or Mary Robbins, 202-588-5180

NWLC Statement on the Nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court

(Washington, D.C.) The following is a statement by Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center, on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Today, President Obama has made an historic appointment – nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice David H. Souter on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor brings an extraordinary background to the position to which she has been nominated, including sterling academic credentials, extensive experience as a practicing lawyer in both criminal and civil matters, and service both as a federal trial court and appellate court judge. Like Justice Souter, Judge Sotomayor’s trial court experience is not replicated by the other Justices currently on the Supreme Court.

“In addition to her varied legal background and extensive judicial experience, Judge Sotomayor, if confirmed, would bring to the Court a wealth of life experience as the first Hispanic and only the third woman to ever serve on the Court. Judge Sotomayor grew up in a South Bronx public housing project. After her father died, her mother struggled to make a good life for her and her brother. Despite the challenges her family faced, Judge Sotomayor attended Princeton and Yale Law School, served as an Assistant District Attorney, worked as a corporate litigator in a New York law firm, and went on to become the first Latina appointed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

“In a moving introduction of Judge Sotomayor at the White House this morning, President Obama described Judge Sotomayor as a person who combines great legal acumen and a belief in the rule of law with a common-sense understanding of how the law affects people every day. Judge Sotomayor’s own remarks brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance.

“The confirmation process will allow the Senate and the American people the opportunity to learn even more about this very impressive woman and jurist.”

The National Women’s Law Center has extensive expertise in the legal issues of central importance to women, and how Supreme Court rulings have affected women and their families.

Contact: Adrienne Ammerman, (202) 319-2054, aammerman@nwlc.org, www.nwlc.org.

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The National Women's Law Center is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1972 to advance and protect women's legal rights. The Center focuses on major policy areas of importance to women and their families including economic security, education, employment and health, with special attention given to the concerns of low-income women. For more information on the Center, visit: http://pull.xmr3.com/p/58-F0C4/96786217/http-www.nwlc.org-.html.