50 Facts About Sonia Sotomayor

Early Life and Family

Sonia Sotomayor's journey to the Supreme Court began in the Bronx, New York, where she was born to Puerto Rican parents. Her early life was shaped by her family's struggles and triumphs.

1. Sonia Maria Sotomayor was born on June 25, 1954, in the Bronx, New York.
2. Her parents, Juan Sotomayor and Celina Baez, were both born in Puerto Rico.
3. Juan Sotomayor worked as a tool and die worker but passed away when Sonia was just nine years old.
4. Celina Baez supported the family by working as a nurse.

Education and Early Career

Sonia's academic achievements and early career laid the foundation for her future success. Her dedication to education and justice was evident from a young age.

5. Sonia attended Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, graduating as valedictorian in 1972.
6. She received a full scholarship to Princeton University, where she studied history and graduated summa cum laude in 1976.
7. At Princeton, she was involved in student activism, particularly with the Acción Puertorriquena organization.
8. Sonia attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1979 and serving as an editor of the Yale Law Journal.
9. She began her career as an assistant district attorney in New York County under Robert Morgenthau.

Private Practice and Public Service

Sonia's work in private practice and her commitment to public service roles showcased her versatility and dedication to justice.

10. In 1984, Sonia started a solo law firm called Sotomayor & Associates from her Brooklyn apartment.
11. She later joined the commercial litigation firm Pavia & Harcourt, specializing in intellectual property litigation.
12. Sonia became a partner at Pavia & Harcourt in 1988.
13. She served on the board of directors of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund from 1980 to 1992.
14. Her public service work included addressing issues like New York City hiring practices, police brutality, the death penalty, and voting rights.

Federal Judgeship

Sonia's appointment to the federal judiciary marked significant milestones in her career and for the Hispanic community.

15. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush nominated Sonia to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
16. The Senate unanimously confirmed her on August 11, 1992.
17. She became the first Hispanic federal judge in New York history and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a federal judge.
18. On her 43rd birthday in 1997, President Bill Clinton nominated her for the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
19. Despite a delay in her confirmation, she was confirmed in October 1998.
20. During her nearly 11-year tenure on the 2nd Circuit, she heard appeals in more than 3,000 cases and wrote about 380 majority opinions.

Supreme Court Nomination and Tenure

Sonia's nomination to the Supreme Court was a historic moment, and her tenure has been marked by significant contributions to American jurisprudence.

21. President Barack Obama nominated Sonia to the Supreme Court on May 26, 2009.
22. The Senate confirmed her nomination on August 6, 2009, with a vote of 68-31.
23. She became the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
24. Sonia has been a significant voice on the Court, particularly in supporting the rights of the accused.
25. Laurence Tribe identified her as the foremost voice on the Court calling for reforming criminal justice adjudication.

Notable Rulings and Opinions

Sonia's rulings and opinions have had a profound impact on various aspects of American law and society.

26. She was part of a 5-4 decision upholding most provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2012.
27. Sonia joined the 5-3 majority in striking down several aspects of Arizona SB 1070, a strict anti-immigration law.
28. In 2015, she was one of the six justices who upheld a critical component of the ACA, ensuring continued access to healthcare for millions of Americans.
29. Sonia has been recognized for her strong support for the rights of the accused.
30. Her dissents on issues related to race, gender, and ethnic identity have been particularly notable.

Personal Life and Health

Sonia's personal life and health have also played a role in shaping her journey and public image.

31. Sonia married Kevin Noonan in 1976, but they divorced amicably in 1983.
32. She has diabetes, which has raised questions about her potential longevity on the Court.
33. Despite her health condition, it has not significantly impacted her judicial career.
34. Sonia is a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.
35. She has appeared on children's television programs like Sesame Street to demonstrate how a judge hears a case.

Memoir and Legacy

Sonia's memoir and legacy continue to inspire countless individuals, particularly young women and minorities.

36. In 2013, Sonia released her memoir, My Beloved World, detailing her life story from childhood to her appointment to the Supreme Court.
37. Her appointment to the Supreme Court marked an important step towards realizing the ideal of equal justice under the law.
38. Sonia's presence on the Court has been celebrated by the Hispanic community, Democrats, and liberals alike.
39. She has inspired many to pursue careers in law and public service.
40. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy for Latinx representation in the judicial system have left a lasting impact.

Teaching and Continued Public Service

Sonia's dedication to education and public service extends beyond her judicial roles.

41. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Sonia taught at New York University from 1998-2007.
42. She also taught at Columbia Law School from 2000-2007.
43. Sonia has continued to be involved in various public service roles.
44. She has worked actively with organizations focused on issues like New York City hiring practices, police brutality, the death penalty, and voting rights.
45. Sonia was appointed to the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1987.

Influence and Recognition

Sonia's influence and recognition extend beyond her judicial decisions, impacting various aspects of society and law.

46. Sonia credits the television crime show Perry Mason with influencing her decision to become a lawyer.
47. She gained a reputation as a fearless and effective prosecutor during her time as an assistant district attorney.
48. In 1995, Sonia issued an injunction against Major League Baseball owners, ending an eight-month strike by players.
49. In 2001, she ruled in favor of a woman with dyslexia seeking more accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to take the bar exam.
50. Sonia's legacy extends beyond her judicial decisions, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in law and public service.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Legacy of Justice

Sonia Sotomayor's journey from the Bronx to the Supreme Court is nothing short of inspiring. Her life, marked by perseverance and dedication, showcases her commitment to justice and equality. From her early days at Princeton and Yale to her significant rulings on the Supreme Court, she's consistently championed the rights of the marginalized. Her influence extends beyond her judicial decisions, inspiring countless individuals, especially young women and minorities, to pursue careers in law and public service. Her memoir, My Beloved World, offers a glimpse into her personal and professional life, further solidifying her legacy. As the first Hispanic and third woman on the Supreme Court, her impact on American jurisprudence is profound and lasting. Sonia Sotomayor's story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of representation in the highest echelons of justice.