Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

Newman Suspension Shows Need for Judicial Reform

Aliza argues that the situation involving 96-year-old Federal Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, who was recently suspended for one year following her refusal to participate meaningfully into a disability inquiry, illustrates the need for robust reforms. These include mandatory retirement ages or term limits; annual medical evaluations for all judges; and revisions to the Judicial Conduct & Disability Act and rules for Judicial Disability and Judicial Conduct Proceedings.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

Options for Law Clerks to Address Wrongful Conduct? It’s A Short List.

Aliza explains law clerks' limited options to address wrongful conduct in the federal judiciary - Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) and the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act, as well as a third option that too many clerks are encouraged to choose - stay silent after experiencing mistreatment and hope the judge who mistreated you does not also attempt to derail your career.

I then suggest solutions to meaningfully address clerks’ concerns.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

It’s Time For A #MeToo Movement In The Judiciary

The public messaging around #MeToo should focus on the benefits to survivors of speaking out.

As we approach the sixth anniversary of the #MeToo Movement, LAP’s President and Founder Aliza Shatzman argues that it’s time for a #MeToo movement in the judiciary. As more law clerks are finally empowered to share their experiences, we’ll force desperately needed change in the courts, hold powerful people accountable for misconduct, and change the culture in the legal profession from one of silence, to one of candid dialogue around workplace conduct.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

Judges Who Interpret Title VII Should Themselves Be Subject To It

Right now, judges are above the laws they enforce. There's a solution: the Judiciary Accountability Act must be passed.

In Above the Law, LAP’s President and Founder Aliza Shatzman argues that Title VII protections should be extended to federal judiciary employees. Law clerks who support the daily functioning of our courts deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully. No judge is above the law.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

Not Every Good Jurist Is A Good Manager

You can be a strong jurist and a poor manager.

But this is rarely a factor when judges are appointed for life, given enormous power, and tasked with running small, intimate, high-stress workplaces.

In Above the Law, LAP’s President and Founder Aliza Shatzman argues that the judiciary has done little to train judges as managers, despite the enormous influence judges exert over clerks’ careers.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

No Judge Should Serve Forever

In Above the Law, LAP’s President and Founder Aliza Shatzman argues that the judiciary needs better mechanisms to remove judges who may no longer be fit to serve.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

'Do Your Research,' 'Stick It Out,' And Other Things Law Schools Should Stop Telling Students About Clerkships

As law students enter another clerkship application cycle without transparent information about judges as managers and clerkship experiences, LAP President and Founder Aliza Shatzman critiques standard law school advice like “do your research” and “stick it out.” Aliza also offers advice for law students and law school advisors.

Read More
Aliza Shatzman Aliza Shatzman

A Policy Prescription for the DC Courts

In the DC Bar Magazine - online, LAP’s President and Founder Aliza Shatzman suggests a policy prescription for the DC Courts. This article was also featured in the DC Bar Magazine, Washington Lawyer, in the March/April edition.

Read More