Works
A Judge's Tale--A Trailblazer Fights For Her Place on the Bench
After seven years practicing law including as a prosecutor and defense attorney, Kintner was appointed a trailblazer female judge in 1976 when she was 31 and pregnant. Two years later two men challenged her in an election for her seat. They had lots of time and money. She had a two year old and another baby on the way. Could she win?
This will be published Dec 2, 2025, by She Writes Press and distributed by Simon and Schuster.
PRAISE FOR A JUDGE'S TALE:
"This courageous memoir recounts Kintner's fight for fairness in a system stacked against her and her relentless belief that justice belongs to everyone. Bold, unflinching, and inspiring, her story is a testament to the power of resilience—and the price of being a female trailblazer."—Wendy B. Correa, author of My Pretty Baby
"Kintner's portrayal of her struggle for acceptance in the legal community and election campaign for the bench is a tour de force. The challenge she faced as a young, pregnant mother in combating the subjugation of women at that time was extraordinary, and her narrative of those times is compelling." —Anne Russell, retired justice of the Alberta Court of Appeal, Canada
"If you're looking for inspiration to make a difference in the world, read this book. Kintner describes her struggles to become a lawyer in the 1960s and a judge in 1976. Her words will uplift you when you need a smart, ethical, and indomitable woman by your side." — Judy Lev, author of Bethlehem Road: stories of immigration and exile
"Now we see many women judges. But it wasn't always like that. The story of Judge Kintner's struggle fifty years ago to become a judge seems unbelievable today. But if it wasn't for her efforts and women like her, today's legal world would be unthinkable. Read her gripping behind-the-scenes account." — Elizabeth Baron, retired justice of the California Court of Appeal.
"I love the incredible way Janet demonstrates the trials and tribulations of women breaking the glass ceiling. Her memoir is personal yet universal. It's horrifying but not self-pitying or vengeful or hateful. It's incredibly thoughtful and good natured." — Laura Hammes, retired judge of the California Superior Court
Obstacle after obstacle, Janet Kintner refused to take no for an answer. A Judge's Tale is the inspiring portrait of a young lawyer and mother who broke the glass ceiling to become the third female judge in San Diego. It's a story that needs to be remembered. — Andrea Leeb, attorney and author of Such A Pretty Picture, A Memoir.
"Kintner, as a student, was a victim of sex crimes in a male-dominated legal system. Kintner tenaciously became a successful lawyer and in 1976 was the youngest judge in California at age 31. Several men worked to remove her. All women should read this story of outrage, optimism, and humor." —Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, author of The Superwoman Syndrome