Ropes & Gray is saddened to report the passing of retired partner Ruth Reardon O’Brien on December 12. She was 92 years old.
Only the second woman partner at Ropes & Gray, Ruth was a member of the firm’s real estate practice. As a woman born in 1931, facing what were almost insurmountable barriers to career success, Ruth possessed the inner steeliness needed to forge a difficult path. But she wore it lightly, exuding warmth and kindness, blended with an unsurpassed work ethic. She was an extraordinary person; when her name comes up, the word “trailblazer” invariably follows.
Ruth earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College with honors. She was one of just four women to graduate from Yale Law School in the class of 1956.
Early in her career at Ropes & Gray, Ruth undertook a variety of corporate and litigation work. Ultimately, she joined our real estate group, handling land registration, zoning and planning matters, as well as estate plans where property was conveyed to nonprofits. She also became the go-to expert in appellate tax work and expanded the real estate group’s involvement in these matters. She became a partner of the firm in 1978 and retired in 1996.
Everything Ruth did required her to break new ground. She not only made partner—she did it after taking significant time away from her career to raise five children. She then returned to work at the firm on her own terms, with a flexible work arrangement. She worked half time and had a sixth child before ramping up to full time again. Ruth was significantly ahead of her time in determining her own way to balance the demands of a career in elite law with the needs of family.
All of her “firsts” carved out new possibilities and set an inspiring example for women at the firm and beyond. Ropes & Gray retired partner Jane Goldstein recalls, “Ruth took the time to mentor and develop colleagues—especially women. She was visible, approachable and loving.”
Our hearts go out to Ruth’s family, especially her children—Neal, Luke, Conan, Kate, Jane and Justin—who also recently lost their father, Ruth’s beloved husband of 66 years, Thomas Francis O’Brien.
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