In 1989, after the new post-communist government took over, she was appointed to the Social Conciliation Commission, which helped to get political prisoners back in the workforce.

In an open letter to colleagues, Gersdorf spoke out against this push, stating that "the courts are easily turned into a plaything in the hands of politicians" and urging fellow judges to preserve the independence of the judiciary.

[5] Backed by public protests, Gersdorf has continued to show up for work, saying that the government is attempting "a purge of the Supreme Court conducted under the guise of retirement reform" and noting that under the Constitution of Poland, her term continues through 2020.

[7] She was ultimately succeeded by Małgorzata Manowska, a PiS ally in May 2020 as First President of the Supreme Court.

In January 2021 she was awarded the Geuzenpenning, a Dutch prize for people fighting for democracy and against dictatorship, racism and discrimination.