New York Judge Resigns Amid Allegations of Improper Relationships with Lawyers

Rockland County Supreme Court Justice Sherri Eisenpress agreed to step down after being accused of conflicts of interest and inappropriate behavior.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:47pm

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A New York judge, Sherri Eisenpress, has agreed to step down from her position on the Rockland County Supreme Court after being accused of multiple conflicts of interest. The state Commission on Judicial Conduct alleged that Eisenpress failed to disclose close personal relationships with a group of attorneys who appeared before her in court, including taking Caribbean vacations with them and participating in a text message chain featuring "off-color jokes" and "sexually graphic images." The commission also said Eisenpress presided over cases involving the law firm of her principal law clerk's spouse and a matrimonial case where the lawyer for one of the spouses was co-hosting a fundraiser for Eisenpress' election campaign.

Why it matters

The allegations against Eisenpress raise serious concerns about judicial impartiality and the integrity of the court system. Judges are expected to maintain strict ethical standards and avoid conflicts of interest, but this case suggests Eisenpress failed to uphold those principles. Her resignation highlights the importance of accountability for judges and the need to ensure public trust in the courts.

The details

According to the Commission on Judicial Conduct, Eisenpress engaged in a number of improper actions during her 15 years on the bench. She failed to disclose her close personal relationships with a group of about six attorneys who appeared before her in court between 2019 and 2024, even as they traveled together to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Jersey Shore. The women were also part of a text message chain with questionable content, including "off-color jokes" and "sexually graphic images." The commission also said Eisenpress presided over 41 cases involving the law firm of her principal law clerk's spouse, and handled a matrimonial case where the lawyer for one of the spouses was co-hosting a fundraiser for Eisenpress' election campaign.

  • Eisenpress served on the bench for about 15 years.
  • The alleged misconduct occurred between 2019 and 2024.
  • Eisenpress agreed to step down on April 28.

The players

Sherri Eisenpress

A Rockland County Supreme Court Justice who has agreed to step down from her position amid allegations of conflicts of interest and inappropriate behavior.

Robert Tembeckjian

The administrator of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, who called the allegations against Eisenpress "serious" and said "her permanent departure from office is appropriate."

Joseph Zayas

The Chief Administrative Judge of New York, to whom Eisenpress submitted her resignation letter.

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What they’re saying

“[Eisenpress] and the members of the group text message chain … shared confidences and discussed and shared social and travel plans and invitations, gossip, photos, off-color jokes, and sexually graphic images,”

— New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (New York Post)

“During my tenure, I was mindful of the responsibility that comes with expanding access to justice and strengthening public trust in the court,”

— Sherri Eisenpress, Rockland County Supreme Court Justice (New York Post)

“I have nevertheless concluded that the most responsible course for my family, was to step aside rather than subject litigants, myself, the court system, and my colleagues to a prolonged and financially draining proceeding,”

— Sherri Eisenpress, Rockland County Supreme Court Justice (New York Post)

What’s next

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct will likely continue to investigate the allegations against Eisenpress and may take further disciplinary action, such as revoking her pension or referring the case to the state attorney general's office for potential criminal prosecution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards for judges and the need for robust oversight to ensure public trust in the judicial system. The allegations against Eisenpress suggest a troubling pattern of behavior that undermines the impartiality and integrity of the courts, and her resignation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of such misconduct.