Sonia Maria Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, having served in the role since August 8, 2009. Born on June 25, 1954 (age 70 in 2025), in New York City, New York, USA, she is the first Hispanic and first Latina woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Nominated by President Barack Obama, she has become one of the most influential liberal voices on the Court.
A former prosecutor and judge, Sotomayor has been known for her strong advocacy for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and defending marginalized communities. She has also been vocal about the role of diversity in the judiciary and has authored influential opinions in cases involving affirmative action, voting rights, and constitutional law.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Sonia Sotomayor, including her age, height, career, net worth, salary, early life, family, relationships, education, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
Sonia Sotomayor Short Details
| Full Name | Sonia Maria Sotomayor |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Sonia Sotomayor |
| Profession | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court |
| Hometown | The Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1954 |
| Age (2025) | 70 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (Graying) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Kevin Noonan (m. 1976, div. 1983) |
| Education | Princeton University (BA), Yale University (JD) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $8-10 million |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
Early Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Sonia Sotomayor was born in The Bronx, New York City, to Puerto Rican parents. Her father, Juan Sotomayor, worked as a factory worker and had only a third-grade education, while her mother, Celina Báez, was a practical nurse. Her father died when she was nine, leaving her mother to raise Sonia and her younger brother, Juan, who later became a physician.
Sotomayor grew up in public housing (Bronxdale Houses, later renamed in her honor) and attended Blessed Sacrament School and Cardinal Spellman High School, where she graduated as valedictorian in 1972. She then attended Princeton University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1976, before earning her Juris Doctor (JD) from Yale Law School in 1979.
Early Legal Career
Sotomayor began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York (1979-1984), where she prosecuted murder, robbery, and police brutality cases. In 1984, she entered private practice, working at Pavia & Harcourt, focusing on intellectual property law.
Her legal work extended beyond the courtroom. She served on the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund and worked with the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
Judicial Career
U.S. District Court (1992-1998)
In 1992, President George H. W. Bush appointed Sotomayor to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She gained national attention in 1995 when she ended the MLB baseball strike by ruling in favor of the players’ union.
U.S. Court of Appeals (1998-2009)
In 1998, President Bill Clinton nominated her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where she ruled on thousands of cases, building a reputation for her strong analytical skills and respect for precedent.
Supreme Court Appointment (2009-Present)
On May 26, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Sotomayor to replace Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. She was confirmed by the Senate (68-31) on August 6, 2009, making history as the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.
Family and Relationships
Family Members
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Juan Sotomayor | Father (Deceased, 1964) |
| Celina Báez | Mother (Deceased, 2021) |
| Juan Sotomayor Jr. | Younger Brother (Physician) |
Relationships and Marriage
Sonia Sotomayor married Kevin Noonan in 1976, but they divorced in 1983. She has no children and has remained single since her divorce.
Physical Appearance
Sonia Sotomayor has a modest height of 5 feet 4 inches and weighs around 165 lbs (75 kg). She has brown eyes, black (graying) hair, and wears glasses. She is known for her warm smile and engaging presence.
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (Graying) |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | None |
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Sonia Sotomayor’s net worth is estimated to be between $8-10 million. Her income sources include:
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Salary | $298,500 per year (as of 2025) |
| Book Royalties | Over $3.7 million earned from book sales |
| Speaking Engagements | Paid appearances at universities and events |
She has written several books, including:
- My Beloved World (2013)
- Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (2019)
- Just Help! How to Build a Better World (2022)
Lesser-Known Facts About Sonia Sotomayor
- She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7 and has managed it throughout her life.
- She was inspired by the TV show Perry Mason to pursue law.
- She is a die-hard New York Yankees fan.
- She was the first Supreme Court Justice to administer the Vice Presidential Oath for Kamala Harris in 2021.
- She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
- She was the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a federal judge in the U.S..
- She is known for her passionate dissents in Supreme Court cases.
- She grew up in a housing project that was later renamed in her honor.
- She has been a vocal critic of political polarization in the judiciary.
- She continues to advocate for minority representation in law.
FAQs About Sonia Sotomayor
Q: What is Sonia Sotomayor’s net worth?
A: Her estimated net worth is $8-10 million (as of 2025).
Q: How old is Sonia Sotomayor?
A: She is 70 years old (born June 25, 1954).
Q: Is Sonia Sotomayor married?
A: No, she was married to Kevin Noonan (1976-1983) but is currently single.
Q: What is her most famous ruling?
A: She ended the 1994 MLB baseball strike and has written powerful dissents on civil rights cases.
Conclusion
Sonia Sotomayor’s remarkable journey from The Bronx to the Supreme Court is an inspiration. She remains one of the most influential justices in modern history, known for her defense of democracy, justice, and minority rights.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
