Open Ninth

Conversations Beyond the Courtroom.

Re-Release: Women in Robes

Open Ninth Episode 172

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are re-airing one of our earliest episodes, “Women in Robes.” When we first aired this episode, our bench was made up of 32 women. Now, 34 incredible women make up over half of the bench here in the Ninth Circuit. And in this episode, two of those women, Judge Alice Blackwell and now-Senior Judge Nancy Clark, sat down to speak with former Chief Judge Fred Lauten about their experiences as women in the legal field. From being mistaken for secretaries early in their careers to dealing with gender-related bias in the courtroom, these women fought to be recognized for their merit as lawyers and judges regardless of their gender. Tune in to OpenNinth.fm to hear more about their experience.

Timestamps

  • 00:15 – Introduction to Judges Blackwell and Clark
  • 05:31 – Breaking glass ceilings 14:36 – Experience joining the bench
  • 23:20 – Inspiring future generations
  • 30:07 – Judicial assignments
Open Ninth
Episode 172

Conversations Beyond the Courtroom.

Run time 32:17
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Transcript

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In this episode

Judge Fred Lauten served in the Ninth Circuit from 1994 to 2019. Between 2015 and 2019, he served as Chief Judge of the circuit.
Frederick J. Lauten

Former Chief Judge and Moderator

Judge Fred Lauten served in the Ninth Circuit from 1994 to 2019. Between 2015 and 2019, he served as Chief Judge of the Circuit.

Circuit Judge Alice Blackwell
Alice L. Blackwell

Circuit Court Judge

Judge Blackwell has served as a Circuit Judge since 1991. She retires in June of 2023 after 32 years of service on the bench.

Senior Judge Nancy L. Clark
Nancy L. Clark

Senior Judge

Judge Clark has served as an Orange County Judge since 2000. She currently serves as the Administrative Judge for County Court.