Ten Things Justice Ginsburg Taught Us.

By Karen and Erica

We grieve the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And we reflect on the lessons she gave us, as lawyers and as women.

1. Find a job you love. It will make your life joyous.

2. Be strategic. Figure out where you want to go, and then, before you start, figure out how best to get there.

3. Be human. Recognize that the people you work with, or against, have families and issues and hopes and fears. Separate your advocacy from your relationships. And do have relationships.

4. Work hard. No matter how smart you are (and she was very, very, smart) you have to put your nose to the grindstone and work, no matter how elevated you become. You must earn your victories.

5. Be precise. Words matter. Say exactly what you want to say, and nothing else. Edit everything.

6. Presence matters. Justice Ginsburg always looked professional and elegant in her Armani suits and her long black robes. She was all brilliant lawyer and all powerful woman. And, like Queen Elizabeth and her pins, she sent signals with her decorative collars.

7. Find a good partner. Hers was legendary. And if you have children, find a good nanny.

8. Advocate with humor. As she did when becoming a little deaf, or remarking that the Supreme Court will have a sufficient number of women only when there are nine.

9. Find something outside of your job to love. She found opera, and lost herself in music.

10. Work out. It may not lengthen your life, but it will make living more agreeable.

For more:

Read Linda Greenhouse on justice Ginsburg. Read Ruth Bader Ginsburg‘s Advice For Living. Watch RBG. Read one of her opinions.