A Judge's Tale - by Janet Kintner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of The Good Wife and Suits, the true story of a passionately principled young female judge in the man's world of the '60s and '70s who is forced to defend her judgeship against two male challengers in a grueling election--while pregnant with her second child.

Janet Kintner could have ended up just another victim of the system. After a traumatic childhood, and being sexually assaulted as a young woman, the odds were not in her favor--but instead of letting these experiences destroy her, she used them as fuel in pursuit of her dreams. By twenty-four, she was a newly minted lawyer determined to secure justice for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or income.

In 1968, the District Attorney's office told Kintner, "We will not hire a woman lawyer." Men dominated the legal system. Undaunted, she established herself as a lawyer who represented low-income people and, eventually, as a high-profile prosecutor specializing in consumer fraud. San Diego lawyers elected her the third woman ever to the County Bar Association Board of Directors. In her private practice, she continued to help everyone she could, often pro bono.

In 1976, when Kintner was thirty-one and pregnant, Governor Jerry Brown appointed her the third female judge in history in San Diego--a move that didn't sit well with some men in her field. Two years later, two men challenged Kintner, a mother pregnant with her second baby, in the nastiest judicial election of the year. In the coming months, Kintner struggled to balance her time between her children, working full-time in a stressful job, and campaigning. She didn't want to let other women, present and future, down. But was San Diego ready to vote for a female judge for the first time?

Review Quotes

"Kintner is a trailblazer all women can admire. She never shrank in the face of gender discrimination, had a strong ethical compass, and an unyielding drive to succeed in a male-dominated world. Her heartwarming stories of helping the needy left me wanting to turn the pages faster. Truly inspiring."--Leslie Johansen Nack, author of Fourteen and Nineteen

"If you're looking for inspiration to make a difference in the world, read this book. Kintner describes her struggles to become a lawyer in the 1960s and a judge in 1976. Her words will uplift you when you need a smart, ethical, and indomitable woman by your side."--Judy Lev, author of Bethlehem Road

"Obstacle after obstacle, Janet Kintner refused to take no for an answer. A Judge's Tale is the inspiring portrait of a young lawyer and mother who broke the glass ceiling to become the third female judge in San Diego. It's a story that needs to be remembered."--Andrea Leeb, author of Such A Pretty Picture

"Now we see many women judges. But it wasn't always like that. The story of Judge Kintner's struggles fifty years ago to become a judge seems unbelievable today. But if it wasn't for her efforts and women like her, today's legal world would be unthinkable. Read her gripping behind-the-scenes account."--Elizabeth Baron, retired justice of the California Court of Appeal

"Kintner's portrayal of her struggle for acceptance in the legal community and election campaign is a tour de force. It exemplifies the fortitude required of a young pregnant mother to combat the subjugation of women. The challenge she faced was extraordinary. Her narrative of it is enthralling."--Anne Russell, retired justice of the Alberta Court of Appeal, Canada

"Kintner, as a student, was a victim of sex crimes in a male-dominated legal system. Kintner tenaciously became a successful lawyer and in 1976 was the youngest judge in California at age 31. Several men worked to remove her. All women should read this story of outrage, optimism, and humor."--Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, author of The Superwoman Syndrome

"Kintner's rise to success came despite the constant string of men trying to hold her down. For every woman who's benefitted from the glass ceilings she's broken and every man who thinks there are no more glass ceilings, this inspiring story is a must read."--Lori B. Duff, Municipal Court Judge, and author of the Fischer at Law Series

"A fascinating read! Fans of Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg will love this book. Kintner fought discrimination and harassment to give women fairness and equality in the legal system. Thoughtful and inspiring!"--Liz Kitchens, author of Be Brave. Lose the Beige!

"An important and inspiring look at the role of women in the legal profession."--Kirkus Reviews

"I love the incredible way Janet Kintner demonstrates the trials and tribulations of women breaking the glass ceiling. Her memoir is personal yet universal. It's horrifying but not self-pitying or vengeful or hateful. It's incredibly thoughtful and good-natured, as is she."--Laura Hammes, retired judge of the Superior Court

About the Author

Janet Kintner was an early lawyer and judge who broke barriers in San Diego, California, where she was married and raised three children, a dog, and a cat. She was challenged and forced to run in an election to save her job in 1978. She has edited and written many legal articles, but this is her first memoir. Her children are now married and have given her four "perfect" grandchildren. She lives with her second husband, a Canadian, part time in Victoria, Canada, but mostly in San Diego.