WBASNY Virtual Convention 2021 Journal

May 29, 2018 is a day I will never forget. Not only was it the day I was sworn in at the United States Supreme Court, but it was also the day I met Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was already happy just to be admitted to the United States Supreme Court and even more excited since my parents and my aunt, who had just arrived from Jamaica, were able to attend the ceremony. We walked around the building in awe of the history and architecture. I felt a special sense of pride knowing that my admission to the highest court in the United States meant that my immigrant parents would be able to

witness the grandeur of the United States Supreme Court. That feeling of pride and joy was enough for me. Little did I know, I was going to experience so many more emotions that day.

After the admission ceremony, the group that I was a part of, along with our family members, returned to our waiting room. As we gathered our belongings, Justice Ginsburg walked in the room. Although she was small in stature, her presence (along with her bright red jacket) illuminated the room. I was immediately star struck. Justice Ginsburg proceeded to congratulate us on our admission. Unfortunately, she was not feeling well and could not stay for too many pictures. She did manage to take a few group pictures with us. As my state of shock wore off, I quickly realized I may never get a moment this close to Justice Ginsburg again. In a quick move, I took my cell phone out and took an awkward selfie with the Notorious RBG. While it may not be the best angle or lighting, it was by far the best picture I took all day. I will always cherish that picture and the memories from that day.

Tiffany C. Malcolm (Queens Chapter)

It was sometime in the Fall of 1990. Mom was there; so was my cousin who was currently living and working in the U.S. capital district. We were snapping photos on the steps leading into the august United States Supreme Court building. Soon, I would be sworn in to practice in the highest court of the nation. It was, I thought, the highlight of my legal status. But, what followed superseded the euphoria of my admission. After the courtroom proceedings, I followed a group of my colleagues into a reception room. While oohing and aahing at the majestic surroundings, I was startled from my admiring trance by the diminutive figure of Justice Ginsburg. She was already welcoming me to the Supreme Court and acknowledging my membership to the

rolls. She was wearing the robe with her signature white frilly fringe. I cannot remember any conversation after that; I was so awestruck. I do remember, however, her grace and demeanor, the traits that described her throughout her long career. It is interesting to note that I mimicked her appearance throughout my professional career. I styled my hair sleek-backed and I wore conservative suit apparel, generally topped with a frilly ascot. When I ascended to the bench as a judge, I ordered a robe with a white fringe at the neck. To my mind, she was a prototype of “making a difference.”

Hon. Eileen N. Nadelson (Ret.) (New York & Westchester Chapters )