(New York, NY, Monday, December 4, 2023) – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) expresses its deepest condolences and joins the nation in mourning the passing of the trailblazing and esteemed Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Justice O’Connor’s profound impact on the legal profession and her tireless efforts to promote gender equality have left an enduring legacy on the legal landscape. She shattered glass ceilings and served as a source of inspiration for countless women in the legal profession, opening doors to a more diverse and inclusive judiciary.

WBASNY recognizes Justice O’Connor for her historic appointment and steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Throughout her remarkable career, she embodied the highest standards of integrity, wisdom, and judicial excellence. Her influential decisions have left an indelible mark on American jurisprudence, shaping the perspectives of legal scholars and practitioners alike.

“In honoring Justice O’Connor, we not only celebrate a legal luminary but a true advocate for women’s rights and equality,” remarked Dawn Lott, President of WBASNY. “Her legacy is a reminder of the progress we have achieved and the challenges that persist. Reflecting on her groundbreaking achievements, we are inspired to continue working towards a more just and equitable legal system.”

WBASNY reaffirms its commitment to advancing justice and equality, championing women’s rights, and fostering a legal community that mirrors the diversity and inclusivity Justice O’Connor advocated for throughout her illustrious career.

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The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) is the professional membership organization of choice for nearly 4,000 attorneys throughout New York State and the largest statewide women’s bar association in the country. For more than four decades, WBASNY has been a singularly important resource for women lawyers, providing professional networking, continuing legal education programming, leadership training, and advocacy for the rights of women, children, and families. Through involvement with WBASNY’s 20 regional chapters and its 40-plus substantive law committees, WBASNY’s members collaborate with one another on a variety of issues and perform public and community service, in furtherance of its mission to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and women in the legal profession; to promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and to act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status with the U.N.’s Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WBASNY is also a founding member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.