Sarah Merriam bullying complaint 2025: U.S. Judge accused of misconduct

Can a judge who upholds justice be a workplace bully? A misconduct complaint has been filed against Judge Sarah Merriam of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, alleging that she routinely mistreats and intimidates her staff.

Allegations of 'Unhinged' Emails and Verbal Abuse

According to the Legal Accountability Project (LAP), the advocacy group that filed the complaint, Merriam is described as a bully who used her position to berate her clerks. The allegations include yelling at staff and sending hostile mail—specifically, all-caps emails described as "unhinged"—that created a toxic work environment.

A Systemic Issue in the Judiciary

The case highlights the immense pressure law clerks are under when working for high-profile federal judges. Because clerkships are prestigious and vital for future careers, many victims remain silent for years. This complaint seeks to hold Merriam accountable and bring transparency to the often-opaque world of judicial chambers.