Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Allows Bullying Claims Against Court Administrators to Proceed

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has permitted a former staff attorney to pursue claims of bullying against two state appellate court administrators. The court decided unanimously that the attorney, Kenneth Bresler, presented sufficient allegations suggesting that Lynn Muster and Mary Bowe engaged in actions driven by “actual malice.” Justice Serge Georges Jr. highlighted that Bowe’s conduct appeared not to be merely negligent but motivated by malicious intent disconnected from the court’s legitimate interests. The case stems from Bresler’s termination in December 2020, which he alleges was orchestrated through a coordinated effort by the two administrators. A comprehensive analysis of the court’s decision can be accessed here.