23. My Landmark SCOTUS Case with Jo Carol LaFleur Nesset-Sale

In Episode 23 of the podcast, we’re joined by Jo Carol Nesset-Sale, who as a young woman brought forth a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit that found its way to the United States Supreme Court. Her case, Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, was part of the societal sea change that resulted in women being able to remain in the workforce as their families grew. Jo Carol’s experience lit a fire in her to become a lawyer herself and transform the lives of her clients she serves. Topics2:09     The story behind the SCOTUS case9:47     How pregnant women faced discrimination11:49    Maternity leave, benefits in the 1970s13:05    The lawsuit begins15:07    Why Jo Carol fought back 19:15    Equal rights movements22:28    Legal team’s strategy for SCOTUS24:25    What the Court ruled on 26:25    Impact of ruling30:45    Becoming a lawyer34:18    Jo Carol’s other 15 minutes of fame36:05    Pathways in law41:00    Guidance for law students, new lawyers43:21    Bias in the courtroom44:15    Career advice46:11    Signature sign-off questionQuote“I certainly saw that, at a moment in time, if you can have the intersection of an aggrieved person who’s been unfairly treated and a lawyer who’s willing to take the case and charge no fee, that wonderful things can happen, that change can be made.” Jo Carol (LaFleur) Nesset-Sale Recommended ResourcesJo Carol Nesset-Sale Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleurFrom Sideline to Frontline: The Making of a Civil Rights PlaintiffShe Was a Teacher. She Got Pregnant. Her Case Ended Up at the Supreme Court