Sandra Day O’Connor began her legal career in an era when opportunities for women in law were scarce. After graduating near the top of her class at Stanford Law School in 1952, she faced rejection from numerous firms due to her gender. Undeterred, she started as a deputy county attorney in California, working without pay at first just to gain experience. Her persistence paid off when she moved to Arizona, where she built a reputation as a skilled attorney and later entered politics, serving as a state senator and eventually becoming the first female majority leader in any state senate.

O’Connor’s breakthrough came in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court, fulfilling his campaign promise to appoint the first woman justice. Her confirmation was unanimous, a rare show of bipartisan support. On the bench, she became known for her pragmatic approach, often casting decisive votes in closely divided cases. Her influence grew as she balanced conservative principles with a willingness to compromise, shaping landmark rulings on issues like affirmative action and abortion. Her historic appointment and judicial legacy cemented her place as a trailblazer in American law.

Sandra Day O’Connor’s Net Worth in 2025

Sandra Day O’Connor’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $10 million. This figure reflects her lifetime earnings from her judicial career, book deals, and speaking engagements. While exact details of her finances aren’t public, her legacy as the first female Supreme Court Justice and her post-retirement ventures contributed significantly to her wealth.

Sandra Day O’Connor’s Career

Sandra Day O’Connor made history as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981, serving until 2006. Before that, she was an Arizona state senator and judge. Known for her pragmatic rulings, she became a pivotal swing vote on key cases, shaping American law for decades.

Sandra Day O’Connor’s Other Ventures

Beyond the bench, O’Connor authored several books, including memoirs and children’s literature. She also founded iCivics, an educational platform to promote civic engagement. Her post-retirement work included public speaking and advocacy for judicial independence and civics education.

Sandra Day O’Connor’s Assets

O’Connor owned real estate in Arizona and Washington, D.C., including a family ranch. She also held investments, likely in stocks and bonds, though specifics remain private. Her assets reflected a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle, aligned with her public service background.

Sandra Day O’Connor’s Annual Income

During her Supreme Court tenure, O’Connor earned a federal salary of around $200,000. Post-retirement, her income came from book royalties, speaking fees, and board positions. While exact figures aren’t disclosed, her annual earnings likely remained substantial due to her prominence.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Sandra Day O’Connor

What was Sandra Day O’Connor’s net worth?

Sandra Day O’Connor’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of her death. Her wealth came from her career as a Supreme Court Justice, public speaking engagements, and book royalties.

How did Sandra Day O’Connor earn her wealth?

Sandra Day O’Connor earned her wealth primarily through her salary as a Supreme Court Justice, followed by income from book deals, speaking engagements, and investments.

What was Sandra Day O’Connor’s salary as a Supreme Court Justice?

During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor earned an annual salary of around $200,000, which increased over time with adjustments for federal judges.

Did Sandra Day O’Connor write any books?

Yes, Sandra Day O’Connor authored several books, including memoirs and works on civics, such as “Lazy B: Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the American Southwest” and “Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court.”

Did Sandra Day O’Connor receive any awards or honors?

Yes, Sandra Day O’Connor received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, for her contributions to the judiciary and civic education.

What was Sandra Day O’Connor’s impact on the Supreme Court?

Sandra Day O’Connor was a pivotal swing vote on the Supreme Court, influencing decisions on key issues like abortion, affirmative action, and campaign finance reform.

Did Sandra Day O’Connor have any other sources of income?

In addition to her judicial salary, Sandra Day O’Connor earned income from board memberships, public speaking, and her work promoting civics education through organizations like iCivics.

Was Sandra Day O’Connor involved in philanthropy?

Yes, Sandra Day O’Connor was actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in supporting civic education and judicial independence through initiatives like iCivics.

How did Sandra Day O’Connor’s net worth compare to other Supreme Court Justices?

Sandra Day O’Connor’s net worth was modest compared to some of her colleagues, as many justices had additional wealth from private legal practices or family inheritances.

What happened to Sandra Day O’Connor’s wealth after her death?

Sandra Day O’Connor’s wealth was likely distributed according to her estate plan, with portions potentially going to family members and charitable causes she supported.