Justice Sonia Sotomayor Calls on Lawyers to Rise Above Challenges During Trump Turmoil

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor addressed a gathering of lawyers on Thursday evening, emphasizing the importance of standing up for the legal profession during challenging times. Speaking at an event organized by the American Bar Association, she highlighted the current climate, stating it is essential for lawyers to be vocal and active. Sotomayor described her presence at the meeting as an “act of solidarity,” urging her audience to recognize the need for resilience amid the uncertainties they face. She proclaimed, “In all of the uncertainty that exists at this moment, this is our time to stand up and be heard,” reinforcing the pressing nature of their work.

She cautioned that losing the ongoing battles could harm the integrity of the profession. The Trump administration has been critical of the American Bar Association, posing a challenge to lawyers nationwide. Sotomayor’s remarks served as a motivational address to the lawyers in attendance at the group’s Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section. She stressed the importance of advocacy by stating, “If you’re not used to fighting losing battles, don’t become a lawyer.

Our job is to stand for people who can’t do it themselves.”

Her message prompted significant applause from the crowd, reflecting a shared understanding among the lawyers about their responsibilities. In recent months, Sotomayor has been vocal about the need for an independent judiciary, advocating for the courts to maintain their autonomy against external pressures. Chief Justice John Roberts has also echoed the importance of an independent judiciary, and several justices, including Ketanji Brown Jackson, have defended the role of the courts against criticism from the Trump administration. The administration’s assaults include attacking the American Bar Association for its diversity initiatives and limiting participation of its attorneys in ABA events.