If you work in law, no doubt you’ve got the notorious RBG on a pedestal. And rightly so.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a well-known lawyer and jurist and served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until she died in 2020.

Described by her colleagues as a shy woman with a soft voice, but with intellect and attitude “as tough as nails”, RBG made a big impression on those she met. She teaches us that for a law firm to fight for what they believe in, they must be tough, determined, and ultimately, serve others.

Her life as a legal, cultural, and feminist icon can teach us so much about what kind of law firm we strive to become. Let’s take a leaf from the RBG book of life.

1. BE A CHANGE MAKER

As a champion of gender equality, RBG was the architect of the legal right for women’s rights in the 1970s. She served 27 years on the nation’s highest court, acting as an inspiration to women across the country, and changing lives for the American people.

Ask yourself what kind of role model you want your law firm to become.

“If you want to be a true professional, do something outside yourself.” – RBG

2. BE A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE

When RBG lost her battle with cancer aged 87, Chief Justice John Roberts said, “today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we know her, a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”

RBG strived for justice and fairness and was driven by what is right. She teaches us that a law firm must fight for justice and be leaders.

“Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – RBG

3. BE OPENMINDED

The friendship that RBG shared with Justice Antonin Scalia, although they often had opposite opinions,, can teach our world and your law firm a great lesson in being open-minded to opposing views. These friends rarely agreed on much yet shared a close bond.

As a law firm, it’s important to hold on to your strong convictions, but be open to hearing an alternative perspective.  Including ones, within your own firm.

4. BE DEDICATED TO OTHERS

RBG is much loved as a hardworking, dedicated public servant, and you may recall that despite cancer diagnoses and treatments over the years, she continued to work – not only professionally but personally with daily physical workouts. Self-care was an important part of her routine.

Law firms can learn from the fact that RBG’s drive came from helping society beyond her self-interests and taking care of herself made her a better advocate for others.

“To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that’s what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself, but for one’s community.” – RBG, Stanford Rathbun lecture, 2017.

5. BE DETERMINED

A trailblazer and visionary, RBG reached her goals despite being faced with discrimination in 3 key areas throughout her career: as a Jewish person, as a woman, and as a mother.

When RBG was recommended for a Supreme Court clerkship, male judges were concerned that she would be ineffective due to “familial obligations.”

She teaches us that it’s possible to overcome any obstacles to achieve your goals.

WHAT IS YOUR LAW FIRM’S LEGACY?

RBG made an immeasurable impact on the world and leaves behind an important legacy.

At Yaeger Legal Consulting, we want to help you on your journey to becoming the best law firm that you can be. We know that through personal support, evaluating your unique situation, and developing custom strategies, your law firm can thrive.

So, be a law firm with heart, compassion, and drive.

With expert guidance, we can show you the way. Get in touch to set up a consultation.