Judicial Integrity Officer Named for Federal Judiciary

Jill Langley, the director of workplace relations for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and a recognized authority in employment dispute resolution (EDR), has been selected to serve as the federal Judiciary’s first judicial integrity officer, James C. Duff, director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, announced today.

“The appointment of our first judicial integrity officer fulfills another of the most significant recommendations of the national Workplace Conduct Working Group,” Duff said.

“Court employees, law clerks, and outside experts all supported the creation of an office at the Administrative Office to provide employees throughout the system with advice and assistance about workplace conduct matters. We are fortunate to have someone with Jill’s exemplary background and exceptional reputation occupy this position.”

Langley has worked for the Tenth Circuit for 23 years, the last 13 focused on EDR. She provides leadership and training in EDR and conflict resolution for employees and judges within the circuit. Langley has developed a nationally recognized training program on EDR laws, designed for court employees, judges, court executives, and EDR coordinators. Langley currently serves on a national working group that is developing a new model EDR plan for federal courts.

One of Langley’s first responsibilities will be to set up a new office that will serve as an independent source of information and referral. This will include answering individuals’ questions, providing guidance on conflict resolution, mediation, and formal complaint options.

The new Judicial Integrity Office also will track and monitor data and any recurring workplace issues to identify trends and conduct systemic analyses and reviews. In addition, Langley will provide training throughout the Judiciary and serve as a resource for workplace conduct staff throughout the court system, including coordination with the Ninth Circuit’s director of workplace relations, the D.C. Circuit’s workplace relations coordinators, and other similar positions in the courts.

Langley received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, where she was a double major in political science and communication. She graduated cum laude from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where she was an editor of the law review. Prior to joining the Tenth Circuit, Langley was in private practice with a law firm in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We have expanded workplace conduct orientation and training programs throughout the Judiciary, and we are reviewing recommended changes to the judicial conduct rules and code, improving the model EDR plan, and providing alternative and less formal avenues for reporting and resolving workplace conduct issues,” Duff said. “The appointment of Jill Langley as our first judicial integrity officer reflects our serious commitment to establishing and maintaining an exemplary workplace for all federal Judiciary employees.”