Since her 2009 appointment to the Supreme Court by President Obama, Justice Sonia Sotomayor's net worth has seen a significant increase, transforming her into a millionaire. Financial disclosure forms reveal this remarkable financial shift, sparking discussions amidst recent revelations concerning her book promotion activities.
Prior to her Supreme Court nomination, Justice Sotomayor's reported assets were modest, ranging from $50,001 to $115,000 in 2007 and slightly less in the subsequent years. These assets primarily consisted of checking and savings accounts. However, her financial landscape changed dramatically after joining the nation's highest court. By 2021, her investments were valued between $1.5 million and $6.4 million, a figure that remained relatively consistent the following year.
This substantial growth in wealth is partly attributed to Justice Sotomayor's book earnings. Reports indicate she has earned at least $3.7 million from her publications since her Supreme Court appointment, with ongoing six-figure annual royalty payments. It has been alleged that her staff encouraged institutions hosting her appearances to purchase her books, a practice that has drawn scrutiny. Furthermore, her publisher, Penguin Random House, has reportedly been involved in arranging these events and urging book purchases.
The Supreme Court has defended Justice Sotomayor, denying claims of improper conduct and asserting that book purchases were never mandatory for event attendees. However, the situation has prompted discussion about ethics regulations for justices, especially regarding book deals and financial disclosures. The practice of justices profiting from books has raised concerns among legal experts, particularly given the potential influence of large publishing houses that may have cases before the court.
This issue has emerged amid broader media attention on the financial dealings of Supreme Court justices, with some alleging a disparity in scrutiny between justices appointed by different political parties. Legal experts have called for bipartisan legislation to standardize ethics rules for the judiciary and establish greater transparency, including the creation of an inspector general for the Supreme Court.
