Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor Speaks at UA Law School

Sotomayor fields questions on AI, political division, and her role as a trailblazer on the nation's highest court.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A close-up painting of a wooden gavel resting on a desk, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying the solemn nature of the Supreme Court and its impact on aspiring lawyers.The quiet dignity and solemnity of the Supreme Court is captured in this cinematic painting, reflecting the gravity of Justice Sotomayor's visit to inspire the next generation of legal leaders.Tuscaloosa Today

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited the University of Alabama School of Law on Thursday, delivering a lecture and answering questions from students and faculty. Sotomayor discussed topics ranging from the impact of artificial intelligence to the political divisions affecting the Supreme Court, and shared insights on her experience as one of the court's pioneering female justices.

Why it matters

Sotomayor's visit to the UA Law School provided a rare opportunity for students to engage directly with a sitting Supreme Court Justice. As the third woman appointed to the nation's highest court, Sotomayor's perspective on the legal field and the challenges facing the judiciary hold particular significance for aspiring lawyers, especially young women seeking leadership roles.

The details

During her hour-long address, Sotomayor fielded questions on a variety of legal and political issues. She warned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, noting that 'if it's bad data, what comes out is bad results.' Sotomayor also expressed confidence in her fellow justices, stating that 'most of us actually like each other' despite their ideological differences. The justice also encouraged the young women in attendance to find their voice and passion in order to become effective leaders.

  • Justice Sotomayor previously visited the UA Law School virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Thursday's lecture was the latest installment of the Albritton Lecture series, which has brought 12 Supreme Court justices to the Tuscaloosa campus.

The players

Sonia Sotomayor

An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. She is the third woman to serve on the nation's highest court.

Tykeisa Nesbitt

The president of the First Generation Students Association, the Business Law Society, and the Student Bar Association at the University of Alabama School of Law.

Sav Miles

The 3L Valedictorian and one of the Law School's leadership fellows, who hopes to become a civil rights attorney.

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What they’re saying

“AI is a sophisticated human. It is — all of its input is input from human beings. Because it is that, it has the potential to perpetuate the very best in us, and the very worst in us.”

— Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice

“My colleagues and I, we're students of the law. We're there because we've shown our deep passion for and engagement with law, legal theory, and legal approaches. We thought and think deeply about the issues that come before us.”

— Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice

“I wanted to show up today because there aren't many times that you have the position or ability to see a Supreme Court Justice live in the flesh. I thought this would be a monumental moment.”

— Tykeisa Nesbitt, Law Student

“Justice Sotomayor is such a humanist. She cares so deeply about the inherent value in every person. And that shows through all of her decisions and all of her opinions, and also in her cordiality with her colleagues on the court.”

— Sav Miles, Law Student

What’s next

The University of Alabama School of Law plans to continue the Albritton Lecture series, with the goal of hosting more Supreme Court Justices in the future to engage with students and faculty.

The takeaway

Justice Sotomayor's visit to the UA Law School underscores the importance of representation and mentorship for aspiring lawyers, particularly women and other underrepresented groups. Her insights on the legal field, the Supreme Court, and the role of technology in the justice system provided valuable learning opportunities for the next generation of legal professionals.