Equality

Atticus Finch

“Most of us began law school or entered the practice of law picturing ourselves as Atticus Finch, the fictional lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, whose representation of an unpopular criminal defendant required him to take a fresh look at legal services and at society. We saw ourselves, like Atticus, advocating for or in some way assisting people regardless of race, religion, financial status, unpopularity of the cause, or financial consequences to ourselves. . . . Let us reawaken the spirit of Atticus Finch in each of us. Let each of us take a fresh look at the justice system. And let all of us recommit ourselves to the ideal of making access to justice a reality for all.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson

Combine Family and Careers

“You can combine family and careers, although you will never hear a male lawyer being asked how he manages to combine marriage with a career.”

Our Charge as Citizens

“The charge to each of us as citizens is to continue our efforts to bring us closer to equal opportunity for all persons, on the law books and in life.” -Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson

Historically women have been outsiders

“Historically, women have been outsiders to the political system. Now that we have the vote and the promise of equal opportunity, we must make a special effort to help other outsiders—the old, the poor, the differently-abled, members of racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural minorities. We should try to ensure that in our judicial system, and in all facets of our government, everyone is treated with respect and dignity.” -Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson

Equality means eliminating stereotypes

“Equality of men and women means eliminating sex stereotypes and looking at the individual. Just as it is unacceptable for the law to force all women into the mold of homemaker, it is similarly unacceptable to treat all women upon divorce as per se self-sufficient bread winners in an open, full employment job market.” – Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson

Don’t apologize for what you want

“Women should be free to do what they want. For 15 years I had to apologize because I was working. Now housewives apologize to me because they’re not. It’s topsy turvy.”

Best man for the job

“Today, the best man for the job may be a woman. We may finally be on the verge of understanding that sexism is a social disease that can be eradicated. It’s not simple, but a solution must be found.”

Girl Justice

Asked by a second grader: “How does it feel to be a girl justice?”
“Fine. The boy justices treat me great.”

First woman justice

“I may be the first woman justice, but I’m clearly not the last.” – Attorney Shirley S. Abrahamson

“A woman’s place is in the house—the State house, the courthouse, even the White House.”