Judge who allowed secretary to work remotely didn't violate ethics rules, state supreme court says

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Judge Douglas H. Hurd did not violate ethics rules when he allowed his secretary to work remotely, citing a lack of discretion.

Hurd allowed his secretary to work remotely occasionally due to her work ethic, believing he had the authority to make such decisions, until advised otherwise.

The court's decision to dismiss the ethics complaint is regarded as uncommon, as such cases usually await a resolution from the advisory conduct committee.

Legal professionals expressed relief over the dismissal of the ethics complaint against Judge Hurd, viewing the ruling as a validation of his actions amidst pandemic adaptations.

Read at ABA Journal