Meaning: Constance Baker Motley was an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, and state senator. She was a prominent figure in the legal profession and played a significant role in advancing civil rights in the United States. The quote attributed to her, "I never thought I would live long enough to see the legal profession change to the extent it has," reflects her perspective on the transformative changes that occurred within the legal field during her lifetime.

Motley's career spanned a period of immense social and legal change in the United States. Born in 1921, she came of age during a time when racial segregation and discrimination were deeply entrenched in American society. However, through her work as a lawyer and activist, she witnessed and contributed to the profound changes that unfolded in the legal profession and the broader society.

One of the most significant transformations that Motley likely witnessed was the dismantling of legal segregation in the United States. As a young lawyer, Motley worked closely with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where she was involved in numerous landmark civil rights cases. Notably, she was the first African American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court, and she successfully litigated on behalf of prominent civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr.

Motley's work as a lawyer and her involvement in key legal battles contributed to the erosion of segregationist laws and practices. The legal victories she and her colleagues achieved, such as Brown v. Board of Education, played a pivotal role in challenging the legality of segregation and paved the way for broader societal changes.

In addition to the legal battles against segregation, Motley witnessed and participated in the broader transformation of the legal profession. As an African American woman, she faced formidable barriers in a field dominated by white men. Her perseverance and legal acumen not only allowed her to break through these barriers but also helped to pave the way for greater diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession.

Motley's quote can also be interpreted as a reflection of the evolving nature of legal practice and jurisprudence. Over the course of her career, she would have observed changes in legal theory, the expansion of civil rights legislation, and the evolving role of the judiciary in shaping social policy. These changes would have undoubtedly surpassed her earlier expectations of what the legal profession could achieve in terms of advancing justice and equality.

In conclusion, Constance Baker Motley's quote encapsulates the profound changes that she witnessed and contributed to during her career as a civil rights activist and lawyer. Her experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of the legal profession in addressing social injustices and shaping a more equitable society. Motley's legacy continues to inspire future generations of legal professionals to champion the cause of justice and equality.