During this period at the Department of Education, my working relationship with Judge Thomas was positive.

I'm not sure I can say there is a clean line between me as an individual and me as a lawyer.

One of the things I was taught in law school is that I'd never be able to think the same again - that being a lawyer is something that's part of who I am as an individual now.

During this period at the Department of Education, my working relationship with Judge Thomas was positive.

The real problem is that the way that power is given out in our society pits us against each other.