Judge Bernice B. Donald, 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Cincinnati: Like myself, Judge Elizabeth Donnelly from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit began her career as one of the few women in the profession. In the episode, “Persona,” (2008), Donnelly describes the difficulties she faced early in her career, recounting an incident where a mistake she made as a prosecutor wounded her confidence and multiplied the difficulties she faced making a name for herself. She teaches all of us—particularly women in a male-dominated profession—that the trials we face mold us into the people we will become, and that we owe it to ourselves and the upcoming generation of new female lawyers to persevere despite hardships. Donnelly is also a moral compass on the show, steadfast in her commitment to the law.” Her work exemplifies a goal we all try to achieve: judicial independence. As do many of us, the judge forms bonds with and biases against the attorneys and parties who frequent her courtroom. Yet, when the law so requires, she has proven capable of ruling against her friends, ruling in favor of those who displease her and recusing herself when necessary. Furthermore, as do many judges—especially those of us who have served as trial judges—Judge Donnelly has faced threats that could jeopardize her impartiality. For instance, the episode, “Zebras” (2009), reminds us of the sobering fact that our position may put us at risk, however remote, of harm from even the most unsuspecting sources: in this case, a disgruntled investigator.