Misconduct Inquiry Uncovered for Federal Judge Mark Wolf Prior to Retirement
Newly released court records indicate a misconduct inquiry was underway into prominent federal judge Mark Wolf prior to his retirement in November of last year. Wolf, 79, served over 40 years on the federal district court in Massachusetts. He cited President Trump's actions and a desire to speak out publicly as his reasons for retirement in an essay for The Atlantic.
Misconduct Inquiry Details Emerge
U.S. Appeals Court Judge David Barron conducted a "limited inquiry" into misconduct allegations.
The inquiry, detailed in an order dated November 24, 2025, found probable cause to believe an unnamed jurist had engaged in misconduct, potentially by creating a hostile workplace for court employees.
The inquiry concluded when the judge retired.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed the judge in question was Mark Wolf, and his resignation terminated the review of his conduct.
Judge Wolf's Extensive Career
Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, Wolf gained a national reputation for his work in exposing FBI corruption related to mafia informants in the Whitey Bulger case. He also served as a special assistant to the Attorney General after the Watergate scandal and led the public corruption unit in Massachusetts.
Judiciary's Self-Policing System Under Scrutiny
When contacted, Wolf offered no direct comment. At the time of his retirement, Chief Judge Denise J. Casper praised his decades of "distinction" and commitment to the rule of law.
The released orders shed light on the federal courts' self-policing system. Court employees are not covered by federal anti-discrimination laws, and investigations have revealed issues within the internal system, including a fear of retaliation among whistleblowers. The power imbalance between judges and law clerks is noted as a factor that can foster a culture of silence.
The First Circuit Appeals Court reportedly began its inquiry after receiving a letter from a judge containing "reliable information" from a former law clerk.
Aliza Shatzman, founder of the Legal Accountability Project, stated that a judge's departure during an investigation does not eliminate the need for accountability or transparency.
Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, emphasized that the federal judiciary should not tolerate such situations.
A bill known as the Trust Act, which would require pending misconduct investigations to continue even if a judge retires, resigns, or dies, was introduced last year but has not advanced in Congress.