Critics often paint Supreme Court justices with broad, unfair strokes, likely aiming for more views and likes. Take Justice Alito, for instance; some recent claims about him suggest he’s “unhappy,” “indignant,” and “wrong.” When justices choose to respond, they’re then accused of being shallow—it’s kind of a lose-lose situation for them.
This ongoing negativity feels especially personal to me when it comes to Judge Alito.
I hail from Louisiana, grew up in the South, and went to Baylor University and LSU for my studies. Now, as Louisiana’s attorney general, I find myself arguing cases before the Supreme Court—an experience often likened to a Super Bowl for lawyers, or like some sort of gladiatorial contest according to Yelp reviews of the building.
Alito criticizes the Supreme Court majority for blocking Trump’s defense strategy.
If you look closely, my journey seems a bit improbable. I didn’t grow up rubbing elbows with elites on the coasts; no Ivy League diploma for me, and certainly, my last name doesn’t ring any bells. Still, I’m here—thanks to God and to the numerous people, like my current boss, Attorney General Liz Murrill, who believed in me.
Some judges are known to take on challenging roles. Not Justice Alito. He eased our workloads whenever possible and never once raised his voice in frustration.
Working with Justice Alito was surreal, in both expected and surprising ways. His intelligence was immediately apparent through his opinions and oral arguments, as well as in our daily interactions. We’d often find ourselves inundated with draft opinions he’d written, clear indications that he didn’t really need our help.
However, we were struck by his character. For instance, clerks generally work long hours, and my group was no different. But Justice Alito was always sensitive about burdening us. He wouldn’t email us over the weekends unless absolutely necessary, and when he needed something done, he asked in a polite, almost apologetic manner. My fellow clerks and I chuckled at his consideration—he was just being courteous.
The media’s portrayal of Justice Alito as “agonized” and “unhappy” resonates deeply with me.
Some judges thrive on tackling heavy assignments, but Justice Alito was different. He lightened our loads, never raising his voice. I certainly wasn’t perfect; once, I missed a deadline for a memo and he didn’t look away in disappointment. Instead, he encouraged us. I remember a particularly challenging memo project that we finally got right. He could have just basked in glory but instead took time to sincerely thank me for my contribution.
For more opinions, explore our other articles.
One highlight of the clerkship was having lunch with the justices away from work discussions. While some prefer swanky meals out, Justice Alito enjoyed simple lunches in his chambers. We’d bring cafeteria lunches or packed meals, while he often came with bowls of microwaved soup. Judges, like him, can be quite introverted, and sometimes it felt like a challenge to get a conversation going without fumbles, particularly when a spoon might clatter. Yet, Justice Alito never shied away from using humor to lighten the mood. He certainly had more pressing issues to address than lunch, but he still made the effort.
On one occasion before a courtroom argument, my family visited to meet him. I was excited to introduce them, but Justice Alito beamed with pride, sharing stories about my work and expressing gratitude for having me there. It struck me how improbable my journey had been. Now, years later, I often reflect on that moment and feel immense appreciation for the judge who has significantly influenced my life.
This is why the media’s constant depiction of Justice Alito as “agonized” and “unhappy” feels very personal to me. He is not at all like the exaggerated stereotypes pushed for clicks. It does a disservice to both the justices and the Supreme Court itself to keep circulating this tired narrative of “torment.”
The Justice Alito I know is kind, humble, thoughtful, and selfless. I know he’s shaped who I am today, and I strive to live up to that example.
