In 1981, while taking leave from Fennemore Craig, she served as the first law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (ret.), and in 1989, she was appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals. In 1998, Judge McGregor was elevated to the Arizona Supreme Court, where she served as Vice Chief Justice from 2002-2005, and Chief Justice from 2005 until she retired in 2009.

Although she has had a rewarding legal career, her award today focuses as much on her community service since her retirement. Chief among her service has been her dedication to activities and organizations seeking to prevent sex trafficking. Based on this commitment, the College of Law founded the Ruth V. McGregor Project to Stop Sex Trafficking, naming it in her honor in 2013. The Project is a multifaceted program that involves faculty, students and community organizations in providing a range of legal aid and other assistance to victims of sex trafficking.

The Project addresses the special issues facing victims and survivors of sex trafficking by providing a range of services in the key areas of advocacy, community awareness, and education. Backed by our donors and supported by the staff of the College of Law, the Project continues to make a real impact and is proud to carry Ruth McGregor’s name.