By Cortez Collins, FTC Law Clerk

Howard University School of Law hosted Justice Sotomayor Wednesday for a fireside chat that offered students a rare opportunity to hear one of the nation’s most influential jurists reflect on her personal journey, judicial philosophy and the critical role that diversity can play in strengthening the justice system.

Speaking with HU Law Prof. Patricia Worthy after an introduction from Dean Roger Fairfax, Sotomayor shared insights from her upbringing in the Bronx, where she witnessed her mother’s determination to further her own education while raising a family. That early example of perseverance motivated her pursuit of academic excellence at Princeton University and Yale Law School and shaped her belief in education as a transformative force.

Throughout the discussion, Sotomayor emphasized the importance of diversity on the bench as a means of addressing and countering unconscious bias. She illustrated this through a case she sat on involving drug charges, where a fellow judge questioned why a defendant possessed two cell phones. Drawing from her own experiences, she recognized that such circumstances could be common in certain communities for legitimate reasons. Her perspective helped reframe the analysis, underscoring how diversity within the judiciary enhances understanding and fairness in legal decision-making.

She also reflected on the importance of judicial humility and adherence to precedent, particularly during politically charged moments like today, when judges face increased external pressures and public scrutiny. Sotomayor stressed that respecting the reasoning of prior courts is essential to maintaining stability, legitimacy and trust in the rule of law.

Addressing Howard Law students directly, she encouraged them to embody the persistence and courage of civil rights leaders like John Lewis, emphasizing that meaningful progress often begins with local action and community engagement. She challenged future lawyers to contribute to restoring faith in the judicial system through advocacy and service.

At the end of her conversation with Prof. Worthy, Sotomayor walked among the audience to answer questions. Her presence and interaction transformed the event from a formal lecture into a dynamic exchange, leaving students inspired to pursue excellence and integrity in their legal careers.

Cortez Collins is a 3L at Howard Law and attended this event.