On Behalf of (many) Women Lawyers: Way to go, DA Fani Willis!

My eyes welled with tears as I watched DA Fani Willis in the recent late night press conference. Through her work as Fulton County’s District Attorney, a grand jury voted to indict Donald Trump and 18 others. The Defendants were to be held accountable for actions to subvert Georgia’s 2020 presidential vote.

Without levity or arrogance, Ms. Willis answered the journalists’ questions. She didn’t demur to the implication that the Fulton County RICO case was too complicated to pursue or that it should yield to the cases in other jurisdictions. She then concluded the evening by saying she would be going home to get some sleep. After the sleep, she would resume work on this painfully important case.

I just wanted to yell to the TV screen: “You go, girl!” Any by this I meant: “You go, girl. Go get some rest. Then go back to your office and keep going. We have your back. We thank you.”

(In my opinion, the term “girl” should be reserved for those females under the voting age. But there was something primal and collegial about Ms. Willis’ accomplishments and bravery on display that night. Her character and diligence engendered a need for me express support and admiration in the sisterly cheer: “You go, girl!”)

Ms. Willis has been threatened, defamed and insulted for doing her job. She is the target of the known misogyny of a former president.

I am not a woman of color. I am not a criminal attorney. I have but a glancing familiarity with the RICO statutes. However, I do know the persistence of sexism in the legal profession. I can only imagine the many challenges Ms. Willis faces each day. Seeing Ms. Willis at the press conference was a present day reminder of all that is wrong and amazingly positive about the American legal system.

I asked some of my friends, also female attorneys, if they experienced this same fundamental response to Ms. Willis the night of the indictments. They did.

DA Fani Willis should be a role model for all of us, however we identify by gender or political persuasion. She is doing her best to apply the law and reinforce constitutional principles.

You go, Fani Willis! In other words, please stay and fight the good fight. And, thank you!