Statement on the Death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

John G. Levi, Chairman, Legal Services Corporation

Fr. Pius Pietrzyk, OP, Vice Chairman, Legal Services Corporation

We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of an icon of the Supreme Court and American jurisprudence, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

For nearly three decades, in both her memorable opinions and dissents, Justice Ginsburg championed equal justice for all Americans. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a leader in bringing down legal barriers to women’s advancement in American society.

In 2015, Justice Ginsburg hosted and addressed a Legal Services Corporation reception at the Supreme Court for leaders of legal aid and the profession from around the country, including federal and state judges, members of Congress, bar leaders, lawyers in private practice and public service, and executive directors of LSC grantees.

In her remarks, Justice Ginsburg highlighted the critical impactful work LSC grantees do every day.

“Sympathetic lawyers in those offices repair tears in the lives of the least advantaged,” she said. “They provide quality legal services that can turn despair into hope for the future.”

In our modern divided politics, the friendship between Justices Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia shone as a model of the respect that people can have for each other, even if they disagree.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.