Tuesday’s news that retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was retreating from public life after being diagnosed with early-stage dementia prompted many to consider her legacy on the high court.

Sasha Volokh, who teaches constitutional law at Emory University, clerked for O’Connor during her last six months on the court, ending in early 2006 when Justice Samuel Alito was confirmed as her replacement.

Sasha Volokh, Emory University School of Law (Courtesy photo) Sasha Volokh, Emory University School of Law (Courtesy photo)