June 17, 2025 Story by: Publisher
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reported receiving more than $2 million in 2024 for her memoir Lovely One, according to her annual financial disclosure, released Tuesday. This figure includes a $2,068,750 advance from Penguin Random House, paid in 2024—adding to the nearly $900,000 she received in 2023—bringing her total memoir-related earnings to approximately $3 million.
Memoir Income Outpaces All Other Justices
Her outside income from the memoir dwarfed that of her colleagues. Justice Neil Gorsuch earned about $250,000 from his book Over Ruled, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor reported approximately $134,000 in royalties and advance. Other justices—including Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch—also earned more than $30,000 each for short-term law school teaching engagements.
Teaching and Travel Income
- Gorsuch received $30,379 for a summer course at George Mason University in Portugal.
- Barrett and Kavanaugh each earned $31,815 teaching at Notre Dame’s law school.
- Chief Justice John Roberts taught a course in Galway, Ireland in July 2024, though most of that compensation will appear in next year’s disclosure.
- Justice Samuel Alito received a 90-day extension and his report was still pending.
Jackson received a $2,068,750 advance in 2024 from Penguin Random House for Lovely One; this followed a $893,750 advance in 2023, totaling approximately $2.96 million between the two years.
Her memoir began with a September 2024 release and briefly topped the New York Times bestselling list.
Justice Jackson’s external income from the memoir far exceeds that of her peers, including Gorsuch’s $250,000 book deal and Sotomayor’s $134,000.
The disclosures also covered book royalties, teaching incomes, and travel reimbursements.
Base Salary vs. Outside Income
Supreme Court justices earn an annual $303,600, except Chief Justice Roberts, who earns $317,500. Jackson’s memoir earnings far exceed these salaries.
A Bestseller with Continued Earnings
Published in September 2024, Lovely One briefly topped the New York Times bestseller list. Jackson became the first Black woman on the highest court in 2022 and signed the memoir deal soon thereafter. The nearly $3 million she’s earned now mirrors historic memoir successes such as Sotomayor’s My Beloved World.
Ethics and Transparency Concerns
These disclosures arrive amid increased scrutiny over judicial finances and ethics. Recent revelations—luxury trips and undisclosed gifts—prompted the Supreme Court in 2023 to adopt a voluntary ethics code. Critics argue the current standards lack enforcement and that recusals remain self-regulated.
Outlook Ahead
- Additional disclosures, including Samuel Alito’s, are expected within weeks.
- Jackson’s successful book deal, combined with reimbursements for her 17 U.S. promotional events, positions her among the highest-earning judicial authors.
- The financial impact on potential conflicts of interest will likely be a focal point in future recusal debates, especially in cases tied to Penguin Random House.
Source: AP News / Reuters / Washington Post
