Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court of the United States visited UCLA School of Law on Feb. 6, sharing insights on law, public service, and leadership. During her visit, Justice Sotomayor urged students not to be bystanders in civic engagement, encouraging them to get involved in causes like voting rights, writing to elected officials, or supporting public interest groups.
“One thing you can’t do is give up. Do something,” she said.
Justice Sotomayor shared her belief that law is fundamentally about relationships and making life better, and she explained that effective advocacy requires connecting with the mind and the heart. Doing that, she stressed, requires clear communication and genuine curiosity.
“This was an amazing opportunity,” says Michael Waterstone, UCLA Law’s dean, who introduced Justice Sotomayor at the event. “She is a remarkable jurist and person, and it’s not every day that students get to meet and speak with one of the great legal leaders of our time. Her thoughtfulness, candor, and dedication to the legal profession made a deep impact on everyone who was there.”
Justice Sotomayor joined the Supreme Court in 2009 and is the first Latina to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Read more about Justice Sotomayor’s visit to campus on the UCLA Law website.
The Supreme Court at UCLA Law
Since 1968, 11 Supreme Court justices have visited the law school, with several making multiple appearances. Below is a list of when each justice came to campus and their years on the high court.
Sonia Sotomayor (2009–Present)
2026, 2014
Elena Kagan (2010–Present)
2018
Steven Breyer (1994–2022)
2015, 2010
John Paul Stevens (1975–2010)
2014
Sandra Day O’Connor (1981–2006)
2013, 2008
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1993–2020)
2006
Anthony Kennedy (1988–2018)
1991
Byron White (1962–93)
1980
Harry Blackmun (1970–94)
1976
Potter Stewart (1958–1981)
1969
Abe Fortas (1965–69)
1968
