In a rare formal complaint, a federal judge is accused of bullying law clerks

NPR | By Carrie Johnson,

Mary Louise Kelly

Published December 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM EST

A nonprofit group has filed a complaint alleging a federal judge has been bullying her law clerks. It's a flashpoint in the debate over whether the judiciary can police itself.

Carrie Johnson

Carrie Johnson is a justice correspondent for the Washington Desk.

See stories by Carrie Johnson

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

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