The Shapiro Lecture: In Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Justice Sotomayor speaks with her former law clerk César Lopez-Morales (’14) at the Tsai Performance Center.
Photo by: Colgan Johnson
The Shapiro Lecture: In Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
This year’s Shapiro Lecture, named for BU Law alumnus Max Shapiro (’33), welcomed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for an inspiring conversation that captured the very ideals the series was designed to celebrate—intellectual rigor, moral courage, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
On October 24, 2025, the BU Law community filled the Tsai Performance Center to hear Justice Sotomayor reflect on the practice of law, public service, and the power of human connection. The Justice engaged the audience with warmth and humor—nodding, smiling, and making eye contact with students as if in personal conversation with each one.
Introduced by Dean Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Justice Sotomayor reflected on her path from the South Bronx to the nation’s highest court and the formative experiences that shaped her belief in law as a force for good. She spoke candidly about the lawyer’s ethical obligation to serve those without means, describing the legal profession as one uniquely bound by a duty to use its power in service of others.
The discussion, moderated by BU Law alumnus César Lopez-Morales (’14), offered both personal insight and practical wisdom for aspiring attorneys. Justice Sotomayor urged students to approach the law with empathy and humility, to listen before judging, and to find joy in the work of helping others.
Her warmth, humor, and sincerity resonated deeply across the BU Law community. Faculty, students, alumni, and staff left the lecture energized and inspired—moved by her achievements and by the compassion and humanity she brings to every aspect of her work.
Reflecting on the event, Dean Onwuachi-Willig shared, “Justice Sotomayor’s life and work embody the very ideals of justice, integrity, and inclusion that we strive to instill in our students. Her fireside chat with César was profoundly inspiring, particularly for those who saw in her journey, and in César’s example, a reflection of their own aspirations.”
Photo by: Colgan Johnson
Read more about Justice Sotomayor’s visit and the lessons she shared about the legal profession, clerkships, mentorship, and finding the good in every person in BU Today:
Watch the full Shapiro Lecture with Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor:
