Charges of misconduct against a New Jersey Superior Court judge include allegations that she required her incoming judicial clerk to start work (uncompensated) three weeks early, surruptiously recorded meetings concerning the early start and had her secretary
do her child’s homework; check jewelry orders, rental car reservations and vacation itineraries; send letters concerning Louis Vuitton bags; inquire about Macy’s store credit; and send out bills from her prior private law practice.
The answer to he allegation denies awareness of the early-start prohibition, admits the taping but “vehemently believes she was completely justified in doing so, and contends that any errands done by her secretary were done on “personal time” and was “de minimus.”
The judge denies requiring the secretary do the homework.
The narrative response explains the judge’s reasons for the taping (“workplace hostility, belittling in the presence of staff and verbal abuse”) and notes her close relationship with her secretary extending back into private practice.
The hearing will begin on Wednesday, June 28 at 10:15 a.m. in the Appellate Division courtroom on the fifth floor of the Hughes Justice Complex, 25 Market St., Trenton. The hearing will continue on Wednesday, July 26 at 10:15 a.m. in the Gibbons Room of the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick.
(Mike Frisch)