A Judge's Tale
A Trailblazer Fights for Her Place on the Bench
by Janet Kintner
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Pub Date Dec 02 2025 | Archive Date Oct 11 2025
Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, for She Writes Press | She Writes Press
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Description
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?
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
“All women should read this story of outrage, optimism, and humor.”–Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, author of The Superwoman Syndrome
“If you’re looking for inspiration to make a difference in the world, read this book….Her words will uplift you when you need a smart, ethical, and indomitable woman by your side.”—Judy Lev, author of Bethlehem Road
“An important and inspiring look at the role of women in the legal profession.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS
“…a tour de force….The challenge she faced was extraordinary. Her narrative of it is compelling.”—Anne Russell, retired justice of the Alberta Court of Appeal, Canada
“This courageous memoir recounts Kintner’s fight for fairness in a system stacked against her and her relentless belief that justice belongs to everyone. Bold, unflinching, and inspiring, her story is a testament to the power of resilience—and the price of being a female trailblazer.”—Wendy B. Correa, author of My Pretty Baby
“I love the incredible way Janet 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.”—Laura Hammes, retired judge of the California Superior Court
“…. The story of Judge Kintner’s struggle 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
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9798896360162 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 344 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Edie M, Reviewer
The book should appeal to all ages. No matter if you are beginning a career or if your life’s work is in your rearview mirror, Judge Kintner’s wisdom speaks to the audience.
The book’s voice supports that she has written & authored countless legal articles in addition to decades of legal opinions. I appreciated that she had a gift for truly listening to the facts & knowing exactly how they relate to applicable laws. Not all counsel have this gift & certainly not in the time & situations described in the book!
No one (especially females) should discount the uphill battle Judge Kintner faced from the day she stepped into her 1st class in law school. Females were discouraged at every door.
We can be thankful to trailblazers like the author who had to answer questions about her marriage, her method of birth control or beg to use vacation days to recover after delivering a baby all from a male supervisor or male boss! Take note of how breastfeeding mothers were treated- it was not tolerated!
Still…Judge Kinter proved herself a master juggler when there was no other choice for female attorneys & judges in the 1960s & 1970s & onward.
What now sounds sexist & illegal is what too many females had to tolerate to rise. And rise Judge Kintner did. You will be cheering for her as she wins on the ballot & is elected to leadership by her all male peers!
This is a book I would definitely purchase & also gift to someone starting out or facing hurdles in their career.
I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this precious gem in exchange for a fair & honest review.
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