Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice, left an indelible mark on American law and culture before her passing at age 87 in 2020. Known for her fierce advocacy for gender equality, her career spanned decades, from legal scholar to the second woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her net worth was estimated between $4 million and $9.22 million, derived from her salary as a Justice and book royalties. Married to Martin D. Ginsburg for 56 years, her legacy continues to inspire. This article explores her life, offering fresh insights into her enduring impact.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Legal Legend
Born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Ruth Bader Ginsburg grew up in a modest Jewish household. Her mother, Celia, instilled a love for learning, though she passed away from cancer before Ruth’s high school graduation. This loss fueled Ginsburg’s drive. She attended Cornell University, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor’s in Government, where she met her future husband, Martin D. Ginsburg. Facing gender discrimination, she excelled at Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School, tying for first in her class in 1959, a testament to her resilience in a male-dominated field.
Career Highlights: A Trailblazer for Gender Equality
Ginsburg’s career began with challenges, as law firms hesitated to hire women. She clerked for Judge Edmund Palmieri and later became a professor at Rutgers and Columbia Law Schools. As a co-founder of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, she argued landmark cases, including Reed v. Reed (1971), which advanced gender equality under the law. Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, she joined the Supreme Court in 1993, nominated by President Bill Clinton. Her opinions, like United States v. Virginia (1996), reshaped gender-based legal precedents.
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
At her passing in 2020, Ginsburg’s net worth ranged from $4 million to $9.22 million, according to financial disclosures. Her salary as a Supreme Court Justice was $258,900 in 2019, supplemented by royalties from her book, My Own Words, which earned over $204,000 in 2016. Unlike many public figures, Ginsburg lived modestly, prioritizing her work over wealth. She donated a $1 million Berggruen Prize to charity, reflecting her values. Her estate, valued at approximately $5.5-$6 million, was primarily split between her children, with $40,000 left to her housekeeper, Elizabeth Salas, highlighting her personal loyalty.
Marriage and Family: A Partnership of Equals
Married to Martin D. Ginsburg in 1954, Ruth described him as the first man who “cared that I had a brain.” Their 56-year marriage was a partnership of mutual support, with Martin, a tax attorney, taking on domestic roles while Ruth pursued her career. They had two children, Jane and James, both accomplished in law and music, respectively. Martin’s battle with cancer during law school tested their bond, with Ruth managing family, studies, and his recovery. This experience shaped her resilience, as she balanced motherhood and professional ambition.
“Mom said Dad was the only boy who dated her who cared that she had a brain.” – James Ginsburg
Legacy and Cultural Impact: The Notorious RBG
Ginsburg’s legacy transcends law, earning her the nickname “Notorious RBG” for her fierce dissents and feminist advocacy. Her dissent in Ledbetter v. Goodyear (2007) inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, advancing pay equity. Pop culture embraced her, with portrayals in Saturday Night Live and films like On the Basis of Sex. In 2025, her influence persists through scholarships and awards named in her honor, such as the RBG Leadership Award. Her refusal to retire during Obama’s presidency remains controversial, as it led to a conservative shift in the Court after her death.
Unique Insights: RBG’s Global Influence
Ginsburg’s reliance on international law, citing German cases in Reed v. Reed, set her apart. Her belief in consulting global perspectives for “persuasive value” enriched American jurisprudence. A 2024 study by the American Bar Association found that 65% of young female lawyers cite Ginsburg as their primary influence, underscoring her role in inspiring new generations. Her friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia, despite ideological differences, exemplified civil discourse, a lesson increasingly relevant in polarized times. Her opera passion also humanized her, as she attended performances regularly, blending intellect with cultural appreciation.
Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | September 18, 2020 |
| Education | B.A., Cornell University (1954); Harvard Law School; Columbia Law School (1959) |
| Career Start | Clerkship, U.S. District Court (1959-1961) |
| Major Roles | Professor, Rutgers and Columbia; Supreme Court Justice (1993-2020) |
| Net Worth | $4 million – $9.22 million (2020 estimate) |
| Salary | $258,900 (2019, Supreme Court Justice) |
| Marriage | Martin D. Ginsburg (1954-2010) |
| Children | Jane C. Ginsburg, James S. Ginsburg |
| Key Cases | Reed v. Reed (1971), United States v. Virginia (1996), Ledbetter v. Goodyear (2007) |
| Awards | Berggruen Prize (2019), National Women’s Hall of Fame (2002) |
| Nickname | Notorious RBG |
| Cultural Impact | Featured in RBG documentary, On the Basis of Sex film |
Controversies and Reflections
Ginsburg’s decision not to retire during Obama’s presidency sparked debate. Critics argue it risked her legacy, as her replacement, Amy Coney Barrett, shifted the Court rightward. Supporters, however, emphasize her belief in serving as long as she was able, reflecting her work ethic. Her health battles, including pancreatic cancer, never diminished her commitment. In 2025, discussions on X highlight her as a symbol of resilience, with users like @LegalEagle noting, “RBG’s dissents still guide today’s fight for equality.”
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life, defined by her age-defying tenacity, career achievements, modest net worth, and supportive marriage, continues to shape legal and cultural landscapes. Her advocacy for gender equality and her role as a feminist icon inspire millions. For more on her life, visit Wikipedia or explore her story on National Women’s History Museum. Follow @SCOTUSblog on X for updates on her judicial impact.
