This month, we’re recognizing the achievements and contributions of women in the judiciary. The following features Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien and her thoughts on her career, the legal profession, and more.
What led you to pursue a career in the legal profession?
I was fortunate to get a job with the Illinois Attorney General’s office when I graduated from college. Working in a regional office beginning in 1987, I was involved with the Consumer Protection Division. I learned firsthand how advocacy by Assistant Attorneys General really helped level the playing field for average citizens who had been taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses and con artists. I wanted to be able to use the law to help people. I was also proud of the contributions Attorney General Hartigan made toward the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I knew then I wanted to work on crafting legislation that helped ordinary people.
What female role models have you looked up to both personally and professionally?
Growing up in a rural community, my first professional role models were teachers since they were the only professional women I knew. In the late 70’s and early 80’s women were just starting to choose to work and raise a family at the same time. Watching some of the teachers I admired most return to teaching after having children helped me believe it was possible for me to do that as well. An older aunt stepped in to mentor me as I was beginning college. She was instrumental in validating my aspirations and helping me to feel worthy of putting myself first. Professionally, I have been incredibly fortunate to have been able to work with and for some amazing women, from the hostess at the restaurant where I worked, to my amazing fellow justices on the Appellate and Supreme Court. Creating a safe place for me to ask questions or just observe positive, professional behavior and attitudes allowed me to soak in knowledge, attitudes and advice like a sponge. Justice Mary McDade showed me how to persevere and remain true to my ideals. Justice Peg Breslin gave me the road map for transitioning from the legislature to the bench and all of the support staff in every position I have ever held demonstrates that every skill set is important and is to be celebrated, whether or not it carries a title.
What challenges have you overcome to get to this stage of your career?
I try not to think of challenges as being an impediment to success. When you know you will be dismissed as not being “ready” or qualified or whatever… you learn to be over-prepared, to anticipate every negative response, to dot all the i’s and cross the t’s and then double check them. You learn to do more than what is expected because that probably still won’t be enough to satisfy some nay sayers. You learn to work harder than everyone else. You stop thinking about things being unfair and just do what you need to do. I am the success I am today, because I chose to see “challenges” as “opportunity.” I will wear you out and then take over!
How has the legal field changed over the years for women?
Obviously the biggest change has been the sheer number of women in the profession. Women now make up more than ½ of all law school classes. And we are now starting to see more women become real leaders in large civil litigation firms. That change has been a little slower coming, but as our attitudes about childrearing and work life balance have evolved, we will now see more women choosing to work and parent, even in the most demanding of legal careers. Women attorneys are just now feeling empowered enough to demand support in the workplace to make it easier to balance all of life’s demands. I also think there is much less stereotyping about what good legal advocacy looks like and that allows for women’s more subtle leadership styles to be recognized as just as effective as other styles.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
I would tell myself to stop letting others determine my value.
If you could meet and talk to any woman in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to spend a day with Elizabeth Eckford (one of the Little Rock 9) and find out how she mustered the inner strength to walk through a daily mob of jeering, hate-filled students and adults just to go to school. Every – single – day, without the help of the authority figures. I like to think I am a strong-willed person, but I don’t know that I would have been able to continue to face that animosity and physical danger each day. In turn, I would also like to talk to Hazel Bryan, one of Eckford’s jeering, hateful classmates, to see if her actions later made her feel ashamed.
In 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court had its first female majority in history. What does it mean for you to be part of this historical achievement?
Although I recognize that it is truly historic, it isn’t something I think about on a daily basis. I have no frame of reference about the operations of the Supreme Court before there were 5 female justices, so I can’t tell anyone how (or if) things have changed. We all genuinely respect each other and I believe we all take great pride in making sure everyone feels heard, whether it is on the bench, in our conferences or as part of our administrative work.
What advice do you have for young women entering the legal field today?
Take part in the many professional groups, such as the ISBA, as possible. You will find mentors and friends there that will help you become a better lawyer and a better person as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember to carve out time for your friends, family and the pursuit of things that bring you joy. And above all, enjoy the ride!