That is where Souter’s 72 former law clerks, a “notoriously loyal tribe” in the words of one, have fanned out after their intense and deeply affecting year with the justice who announced his retirement plans on May 1. Some have taken up liberal causes, while others are making their mark in government service or corporate law. Most were planning to gather at the Court on May 9 for their annual reunion with Souter, an event sure to be more emotional than in the past. Extra port has been ordered for the evening.
The clerks’ deep bond with Souter, and their sense that they are carrying on his work and values in their careers, will lengthen Souter’s shadow of influence and deepen his legacy, said Harvey Rishikof, law professor at the National War College and former administrative assistant to Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
