The Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge’s ruling that granted summary judgment to the County of Rockland on a First Amendment Retaliation claim. The Appeals Court found that the Plaintiff, the head of the Basic School at the County Police Academy and alleged whistleblower, was speaking as an employee and not a private citizen. Therefore, the Second Circuit held that his speech was not protected by the First Amendment, and that the trial court judge was correct in granting summary judgment for the County. Partners Darius Chafizadeh and Mathew Dudley, represented Rockland County, with Darius arguing the case before the Second Circuit.