Justice Sonia Sotomayor brings message of civic engagement to Los Angeles

Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor brought a message of civic engagement and public service to Los Angeles on Feb. 6, appearing before audiences ranging from high school students to law students in a series of events organized by the California Unity Bar.

She made stops at Pasadena High School, Occidental College, and UCLA School of Law.

At Pasadena High School, Sotomayor spoke to students in a morning program that Principal Eric Barba described as "warm and inspirational." Barba said he had "never seen an auditorium full of high school students completely attentive, soaking in the advice and wisdom Justice Sotomayor shared," adding, "This is truly a memory my students will remember for a lifetime."

The day's most high-profile public event was a fireside chat at Occidental College featuring Sotomayor alongside Chief Judge Mary Murgia of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero.

California Supreme Court Justice Kelli Evans moderated the discussion, which touched on a range of issues and the responsibilities of judicial leadership.

Occidental President Tom Stritikus said Sotomayor "inspired our community through her deep commitment to the common good and to engaging differences with civility, rigor and curiosity," adding that her message aligned with the college's liberal arts mission.

Sotomayor ended her Los Angeles visit at UCLA, where she fielded law student questions in a conversation moderated by Kevin Johnson, president of the California Unity Bar and former dean of UC Davis School of Law. She spoke about her professional path, her experiences at Yale Law School, and the role of clear, effective writing in legal advocacy.

UCLA Law Dean Michael Waterstone said the visit was "an amazing opportunity for our students and community to hear from Justice Sotomayor, a remarkable jurist and person," adding that "her thoughtfulness, candor, and dedication to the legal profession made a deep impact on all in attendance."

The California Unity Bar, Los Angeles County Unity Bar and Occidental College co-sponsored the events.