SCWLA is sorry to learn that 4th Circuit Chief Judge and Bissell Award Winner Karen Williams is retiring (http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/). SCWLA wishes her the best and she is in our thoughts and prayers. One of our many fond memories of Judge Williams is her Bissell Award acceptance speech in 2007. Her words exemplify her grace and humility. Please enjoy her remarks below which we published in our Fall 2007 edition of The Briefcase.
Bissell Award Speech, Chief Judge Karen J. Williams, October 19, 2007:
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this award. It is both an accolade and a challenge to be mentioned with such distinguished legal minds as Chief Justice Jean Toal, Judge Cam Currie, Judge Matthew Perry, and Judge Margaret Seymour. I thank you, the S.C. Women Lawyers Association, for considering me for the Bissell award.
When any of us think of the Bissell award, we must think first of the awesome achievements of Jean Galloway Bissell. She was truly a trailblazer in the state and in the nation. A woman of strength and grace, she was the first woman from South Carolina nominated to the federal bench, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Through her many accomplishments – among them outstanding service to our community as a lawyer, a banker, a judge, and a legal lecturer – she has served as a role model for me and for other women who maintain a professional life in South Carolina.
When I first heard that Senator Thurmond was interested in nominating me for appointment as the first woman to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, I was unsure of how I would be received. With Charles’s encouragement, I went to Washington to be vetted. With the Senator and his helpful staff and the kindness of the nice Justice Department staffer who vetted my candidacy (who is now none other than Chief Justice John Roberts) my anxiety was reduced.
My daughters, Marian and Ashley, were old enough to recognize the significance of a confirmation hearing in Washington, both the boys, at 8 and 9, were more concerned about themselves. As my son Charlie put it, “It might be good for you Mom, but I’m not sure if it is good for me – Who will fix my breakfast when you are away?” And that small vignette describes the daily pull on every working mother’s heartstrings. But there is much joy and freedom in being a professional woman. I know each of you understand those feelings. Happily, I can say the boys were well nourished and are now in law school.
When I arrived in Richmond, my colleagues, who were all men, welcomed me with open arms, pointing out the new ladies restroom installed in preparation for the appointment of a female. I am so lucky that Diana Motzand Allyson Duncan, women of great intellect and ability, have joined me on the bench. I also do want to recognize the support of my colleagues and staff who helped ease my transition to the bench in many ways, both formal and informal, and are so supportive as I learn the role of Chief Judge.
When I consider those who have also been honored with Bissell Awards, I truly know that I have been fortunate to live in changing times. Today, almost as many women as men fill the law schools. With each graduating class, the percentage of women in the practicing bar grows. Today nearly one-fourth of federal appellate judges are women. But times do not change without help. It is because of the efforts of women like Judge Bissell, Justice O’Connor, Justice Ginsburg, and Justice Toal that women can face open doors in most areas of legal practice, including appointments to the bench.
I also want to recognize the contributions of organization like SCWLA and its sister North Carolina organization that have worked diligently to assure that the opportunities and benefits of the legal profession are available to everyone. Each year brings us closer to the fulfillment of the dream of those first pioneering women lawyers and judges: that our daughters (both literally and figuratively) will be not just accepted, but customarily found at the helm of legal institutions, law firms, financial and corporate entities, as well as chairing charitable and educational boards.
I thank you for linking me to the line of great women and men who have received Bissell awards. And I ask you to join me and them in the last dream: that one day there will be a truly outstanding woman to receive this award whose resume will not include a singled reference to “the first women” to hold a position. For in that day, Jean Galloway Bissell can be most proud of us all as women in the legal profession. And on that date, I will bow my head and say with bothpride and humility, that I studied and worked with great women who made that dream possible.
My humble thanks to all my sisters in the law. ”
–Chief Judge Karen J. Williams
