Although not new, a recent case has placed attention on the prevalence of antisemitism in America and religious discrimination in general. The case of Edelstein v. Stephens is rooted in two things: a person’s right to exercise their religion and public officials’ abuse of power. The influence of one judge’s opinion on an attorney’s hiring prospects in a certain geographic legal community can be a powerful force. When the opinion is an undeserving or discriminatory one, it can impact both the individual attorney and the sanctity of the legal system. When you fall victim to this as an attorney, it places you in a difficult position.

‘Holy Cow, Eight Days!’

Kimberly Edelstein was a staff attorney and magistrate for eight and a half years under Judge Patricia One, the predecessor to Judge Gregory Stephens, in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio. When Stephens filled the seat in March 2016, he rehired Edelstein. Edelstein, who is Jewish, requested eight nonconsecutive days off for the Jewish High Holy Days. Edelstein claimed that Stephens yelled at her, angrily saying “holy cow, eight days.” Edelstein claims he then calmed down, waved her away, and granted the leave after she explained the days were work restricted and that the previous judge let her take off. Just one day later, Stephens started taking the steps to fire Edelstein. Less than four days later (two of which were weekend days), Stephens fired Edelstein. Stephens told Edelstein that the reason she was being terminated was because she did not fit in with the staff. In court, he argued that the tension between her and the staff created a negative and disruptive work environment.

‘Edelstein v. Stephens’

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