Justice Sonia Sotomayor Engages Future Lawyers at University of Tulsa, Emphasizing Legal Nuance and Self-Belief
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently participated in a student-led conversation at The University of Tulsa, addressing over 600 students, faculty, and guests. During the event, part of the Judge Stephanie K. Seymour Lecture Series, Justice Sotomayor answered questions from UTulsa Law students on topics including constitutional interpretation, advocacy, and professional growth. She stressed the importance of judges remaining grounded in the law, even when facing difficult cases, and challenged the common perception that legal questions are always clear-cut. Justice Sotomayor highlighted that much of legal work involves uncertainty and competing interpretations, stating, “Most people think the law is black and white, but the law is gray. That’s why we need lawyers.” She also encouraged future lawyers to understand opposing perspectives in an increasingly divided society and spoke candidly about overcoming self-doubt during her first year of law school, urging students to trust themselves.
