Colleagues recall Sotomayor as tireless , focused worker . She was a member of the New York State Bar Association and served on its board for many years before becoming an associate justice in 2006. Critics call her `` prickly '' ; former aide says tough talk is saved for the bench . `` Her hobby is people , '' said Chapnick , who became friends with the woman now going through Senate confirmation hearings on her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court . Lifelong Yankees fan 's most high-profile case ended baseball strike .
Colleagues recall Sotomayor as tireless , focused worker . She was a member of the New York State Bar Association and served on its board for many years before becoming an associate justice in 2006. Critics call her `` prickly '' ; former aide says tough talk is saved for the bench . Lifelong Yankees fan 's most high-profile case ended baseball strike .