On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct determined that Family Court Judge Jill Kehn of Rensselaer County should receive a censure for contributing to a hostile work environment.

According to a press release from the Commission, Judge Kehn had begun criticizing the new chief clerk of the court in emails and conversations with staff starting in January 2022, characterizing the person negatively. She also yelled at and was disrespectful towards staff in the clerk’s office on multiple occasions. After being directed by her administrative judge to address any issues regarding the clerk’s office through proper channels, Judge Kehn reportedly berated the chief clerk in a loud voice and yelled at other employees, prompting intervention from the judge.

Following a human resources investigation, Judge Kehn was transferred out of the Rensselaer County Family Court to the Albany County Court. She acknowledged wrongdoing in the matter and agreed to accept the censure sanction. In deciding on the censure, the Commission noted Judge Kehn’s acknowledgment and commitment to working more cooperatively with court employees going forward.

The Commission is a state agency responsible for oversight of judges in New York and currently has 11 members appointed by various elected officials. It can admonish, censure, or recommend the removal of a judge for misconduct. A censure is considered one of the most serious actions it can take and will remain on Judge Kehn’s record permanently. If she agrees to the sanction, it will be formally applied.

Judge Kehn has served as a Family Court judge since 2022 and previously was a City Court judge in Troy, New York from 2015 to 2021. Her current term is set to expire at the end of 2031. The Commission case against her included one charge of damaging work environment relations through hostile emails and confrontations with staff. Their determination aims to promote respectful and cooperative behavior from judges towards all court personnel.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.