Yelling Judge Censured

A public censure of a family court judge by the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct is summarized in this press release

Beginning in January 2022 and continuing on and off for about a year, Judge Kehn began denigrating and otherwise criticizing the new chief clerk of the court in emails and conversations with other court staff. She also yelled at and was otherwise disrespectful toward certain staff in the clerk’s office.

Moreover, after her administrative judge directed her to address any issues regarding the clerk’s office with the District Office of the Third Judicial District, Judge Kehn berated the chief clerk in a loud voice and yelled at other staff in the office. This prompted a personal visit from the administrative judge, and after a human resources inquiry by the OCA Inspector General, Judge Kehn was transferred from Family Court in Rensselaer County to Albany County.

In accepting the jointly recommended sanction of censure, the Commission noted Judge Kehn’s acknowledgement of wrongdoing, acceptance of the public censure and pledge to work collegially with court staff.

A footnote on the possible source of anger

The new chief clerk was appointed to the position by the Office of Court Administration in October 2021. Judge Kehn believed the appointment should have gone to the court’s then-deputy chief clerk, with whom she was friendly.

The emails and other incidents are set out in the Commission determination. (Mike Frisch)