A group of Brooklyn attorneys gathered Monday to watch history in the making as Judge Sonia Sotomayor began a confirmation process that many say has already paved the way for change in the Latino community. NY1's Jeanine Ramirez filed the following report.

They're legal experts, they're Latino and they came together Monday afternoon to watch one of their own climb to a position none of them has ever before reached. This group of mostly attorneys gathered at the law offices of David Hernandez to witness Judge Sonia Sotomayor on her historical journey. First, they listened to Republican senators doubt her impartiality.

"I was sitting here very tense wondering what feelings she had and she sat there and listened as they did the best that they could to shake her up," said Attorney David Hernandez.

But then Sotomayor had the backing of many Democratic senators who praised her legal experience -- much of which she got in New York. The group says Sotomayor serves as a role model for New Yorkers, for lawyers, for Latinos and for women.

"I can't stop thinking about my two young daughters having a Latina Supreme Court Justice it changes at least the perception of the opportunity available to them," said Attorney Norma Ortiz of Ortiz & Ortiz Law Firm.

Many of the lawyers who gathered for the viewing are members of the Puerto Rican Bar Association. Others have worked with the Puerto Rican Legal and Defense Education Fund and have met Sotomayor at various events in the city.

"I've had chances to interact with her and she's been very gracious and very welcoming to young attorneys such as myself and some of my younger colleagues who aspire to have a career such as hers," said Brooklyn Borough President Counsel Jason Otaño.

Sotomayor said the progression of her life is uniquely American and some of the attorneys say they can relate to her journey.

"I was born in the Bronx, raised in a housing project, just by my mother and my grandmother. Didn't have my father like the good judge. I'm not alone. This is not a unique story in NY. That's what makes her story so inspiring," said said Attorney Edgar De Leon of De Leon & Associates.

Over in Williamsburg, a group of teenagers were also inspired. About 50 teens at El Puente cultural community center watched the confirmation hearings. They're taking part in a summer leadership program and are looking to Sotomayor to get that confirmation and lead change.

"Seeing Sonia Sotomayor in one of the highest places of power really empowers me," said Leadership program participant Angelee Camacho.

While the process is just getting started for Sotomayor, supporters in Brooklyn say they'll be with her every step of the way.