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Ashley Aull Remembers Ninth Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta
December 17, 2025
Munger, Tolles & Olson Partner Ashley Aull reflected on the life and legacy of Ninth Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta in a recent National Law Journal article, following the Judge’s passing on December 7.
Judge Ikuta, appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 2006 by President George W. Bush, previously practiced as an environmental litigator before serving as deputy secretary and general counsel of the California Resources Agency.
Ashley, who clerked for Judge Ikuta from 2009 to 2010, described her as “both an intimidating and incredibly caring boss” who was unwavering in her commitment to finding the right answer through rigorous analysis and a disciplined approach to the law. Ashley also emphasized Judge Ikuta’s genuine investment in the personal and professional growth of her clerks.