Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh spoke to an audience of conservative legal leaders and students in Washington, DC, urging them to uphold their principles and respond to challenges with both strength and grace. Barrett received significant applause for her remarks directed at female law students, encouraging them to embrace their individuality rather than conform to societal expectations.

Barrett stated, "Being a conservative woman in a law school, particularly, takes a lot of courage and independence, and in many ways shows more feminism than just falling into some predetermined vision of what a woman should be." She advocated for women to have the freedom to choose their paths, whether conservative or liberal, and regardless of personal choices regarding family and marriage.

In response to the recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Barrett advised against retaliatory violence, suggesting that the audience should instead emulate the example set by Erika Kirk, who forgave her husband's assassin during his memorial service. Barrett remarked, "In the face of the kind of poisonous hostility that led to Charlie Kirk’s murder, and which still exists on campuses and elsewhere, the best response really is to kind of keep Erika Kirk’s example in mind and is strength with grace."

Both justices, nominated by President Donald Trump, spoke at the Federalist Society’s annual convention, which occurred shortly after the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding Trump’s tariffs. Their discussion, moderated by US District Judge Trevor McFadden, lasted over 30 minutes.

Neither Barrett nor Kavanaugh mentioned Trump directly, nor did they address the various cases linked to his administration. Justice Samuel Alito, another conservative member of the court, attended the event but did not speak.

The conversation largely revolved around the challenges faced by conservative students in law schools, paralleling the criticism directed at the Supreme Court, particularly following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which had established a constitutional right to abortion. The court's approval ratings have reached historic lows, and protests have occurred outside justices' homes in response to their decisions. Kavanaugh himself was the target of an assassination attempt in 2022.

The Federalist Society was established to provide a platform for conservative law students who felt marginalized in predominantly liberal academic environments. Kavanaugh reflected on the influence of his role models, particularly the late Justice Antonin Scalia, emphasizing the importance of resilience and standing firm in one’s beliefs, especially when faced with opposition.