Kirsten Gillibrand Instagram – Despite graduating near the top of her law school class, Sandra Day O’Connor was only offered a job as a secretary when she applied for a job at a major law firm. But she refused to back down. She pursued her legal career until she shattered that highest glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She paved the way for women like myself to pursue our own legal careers — and brought women’s voices and perspectives to the highest court in our nation. And while I may not agree with every decision she ever made, I respected her dedication, her attention to the practical effects of the Court’s work, and above all, her respect for precedent, particularly her vote in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones today.