Judges Highlighted for Women’s History Month

The stories of six federal judges, who overcame various obstacles on their paths to the bench, are highlighted as part of the U.S. courts’ observance of Women’s History Month.

In video interviews, the judges recount how they overcame challenges while growing up and then pursuing careers in the law. The videos are part of the courts’ “Pathways to the Bench” series.

The profiled ‘Pathways’ judges are: 

• U.S. District Court Judge Lorna G. Schofield recalls how her mother instilled in her perseverance and a commitment to excellence.
• U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Jacqueline Nguyen, whose family fled Vietnam, says that when faced with difficult decisions, she remembers her parents’ sacrifice.
• U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall was married with young children when she started law school.
• U.S. District Court Judge Julie A. Robinson decided at age 5 to become a lawyer. Her dad and mentors helped her do it.
• U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez was a child of farm workers who put herself through college and law school.
• U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ann C. Williams recalls her parents and says that each generation stands on the shoulders of those who went before them. 

The videos and other educational materials can be found in the Educational Resources section. The site also has information on annual observances honored by the federal courts.