Who is Sandra Day O’Connor?

Trevi Grant

Assistant Dean, Student Career Success and Employer Relations

Trevi Grant is the Assistant Dean of Student Career Success and Employer Relations, whose work as a university leader, attorney and higher-education CEO has helped her build a lifelong commitment to justice and public service.

As the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor reshaped the legal profession through her steady pragmatism and unwavering commitment to public service. Her influence extends far beyond her opinions and milestones — it shapes how we teach, mentor and support students at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

For me, her impact has always felt personal. Justice O’Connor knew and worked with my mother, and watching that relationship throughout my childhood had an impact on my decision to pursue a career path rooted in public service. Today, working with students at ASU Law, I see the power of her example reflected in the aspirations and energy they bring to their own careers.

Her belief that “the law is most powerful when it serves the people” continues to guide our approach to legal education and career development, from externships to public service placements and community-engaged learning.

Why is Sandra Day O’Connor such a significant figure in American law?

Justice O’Connor’s 1981 appointment to the Supreme Court marked a turning point in U.S. history. Before joining the Court, she built a distinguished record of public service in Arizona — including roles as a state senator, majority leader and judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. That blend of legislative and judicial experience gave her a distinctive perspective on how law shapes daily life.

Known for clear, balanced reasoning, she authored influential opinions on equality, federalism and individual rights. Her pragmatic approach often guided the Court through its most pivotal decisions.

At ASU Law, her career serves as a reminder that leadership in the law is not only about expertise, but also about integrity and service — values we reinforce through professional development, mentorship and hands-on learning.

What values did O’Connor champion throughout her career?

Justice O’Connor’s work reflected principles that continue to anchor ASU Law’s mission:

• Public service as a calling: She approached the law as a tool for strengthening communities and institutions. Our clinics, pro bono programs and externships carry that spirit forward by placing students where they can make a real impact.
• Judicial independence: Her dedication to fairness and respect for democratic systems informs our emphasis on ethical leadership and decision-making.
• Civic education: After retiring from the Court, she founded iCivics, helping young people understand their roles in democracy. That same belief in civic responsibility shapes ASU Law’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching and community engagement.

These values are woven throughout the student experience — from coursework to career exploration.

How does ASU Law honor and carry forward her legacy?

In 2006, ASU became the first law school in the nation to be named for a living woman when it dedicated the college in Justice O’Connor’s honor. This is more than a namesake; it is a commitment to her principles.

Her legacy appears every day in our work:

• Experiential learning: over 96% of ASU Law students participate in clinics, externships or pro bono service, gaining practical skills while supporting communities.
• Careers centered on service: in Career Services, we help students translate their values into meaningful careers — whether in government, nonprofits, private practice or emerging policy fields. We offer personalized coaching, employer connections and public service programs that echo Justice O’Connor’s belief in using the law for the public good. That commitment shows, with ASU Law ranked in the top 10% of U.S. law schools for the number of graduates who go on to work in public service and clerkships (ABA 509 Standard Information Report, 2025).
• Programs that advance justice: our centers and initiatives focus on democracy, human rights, sustainability, civil discourse and more — reflecting her commitment to strengthening institutions and communities.
• The O’Connor Justice Prize: this award honors global leaders who advance the rule of law and human rights, extending her influence beyond the classroom and courtroom.

What can students and professionals learn from her example?

Justice O’Connor demonstrated that legal expertise becomes most powerful when paired with humility, compassion and service. She showed that a career in law can be both ambitious and deeply community-focused.

At ASU Law, students experience these lessons through:

• Externships that place them in courts, agencies, nonprofits and firms where they practice skills in real settings.
• Career guidance that helps them identify purposeful paths rooted in service.
• Hands-on learning that reflects her pragmatic, people-centered approach to law.

Justice O’Connor’s legacy lives on in the students who step forward to lead, serve and uphold justice in their own communities — and in every opportunity we create to help them build careers that reflect her enduring values.