Shook Chair Quoted on the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Missouri Lawyers Weekly quoted Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough on her thoughts on the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the article, “Ginsburg’s Legacy: Missouri Lawyers Mourn Justice’s Death, Reflect on Her Legal Career.”

McDonough, who met and talked with Ginsburg several times, reflected on Ginsburg’s work and character, stating that Ginsburg’s career “was a testament to the value of focusing on real people who suffer the consequences of the decisions that legislators and judges can sometimes make.

“She served as a check on policies and practices that disparately affected the marginalized and disenfranchised,” McDonough stated. “Her tireless work ethic, her incisive analyses and her unmistakable kindness should inspire us all to do more, do better and be better.”

On her memories of meeting Ginsburg, McDonough described Ginsburg as being “unfailingly gracious and direct. I sensed Ginsburg had little time for small talk and wanted to get to the heart of things quickly,” she reflected. “Among so many other great attributes, her lack of pretense was especially endearing. May we all draw inspiration from her scholarship, courage and passion for justice.”

Along with leading an international law firm with more than 500 attorneys, McDonough has received her own career recognitions including being listed in the Top 50 Litigation Trailblazers & Pioneers by The National Law Journal.