As a former General Counsel to the State Ethics Commission, a former Assistant Attorney General, head of her firm's ethics practice and a practitioner in municipal law, Judy offers a unique perspective to state and municipal employees, elected officials and private clients concerning complex issues under the state’s conflict of interest law, G.L. c. 268A, and its financial disclosure law. The law prohibits both an actual and an appearance of conflicts of interest. It also governs what employees may do on the job, after hours or in “side” jobs, after they leave public service, and in volunteer positions.

Examples of issues that arise under this law include:

• Are consultants hired by a government entity subject to the conflict of interest law?
• Can a former government employee represent a private client before the government agency for which he or she worked?
• Under what circumstances is the giving of a gift to or the acceptance of a gift by a government employee unlawful and what are the penalties?
• What is an "appearance" of a conflict of interest and how can it be resolved?

Judy has vast knowledge to provide legal opinions in court and in administrative hearings and advice that helps clients avoid problems under the conflict law. She also offers unparalleled depth in guiding government employees and officials through sensitive and complex Commission investigations and public hearings so as to help them achieve the best possible results. Additionally, she is skilled at conducting investigations of alleged violations of the conflict and financial disclosure laws, providing an impartial analysis and recommendations in often highly-charged political contexts.