San Diego Lawyer’s Cruise: Full Salary Charged

San Diego Prosecutor’s Office Under Scrutiny as Top Lawyer Embarks on Global Cruise While teleworking

A senior lawyer’s remote work arrangement sparks debate about accountability and effective governance.

April 14, 2025

The High Seas and High Salaries: A Question of Ethics?

The concept of teleworking, once lauded for its flexibility and ability to improve employee morale, is facing a stern test in San Diego.Jean Jordan, a senior lawyer in the San Diego Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, is currently on a four-month maritime cruise around the world while concurrently holding a newly created executive position with an annual salary of nearly $300,000. This arrangement,approved by newly elected municipal prosecutor Heather Ferbert,has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised serious questions about accountability and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Jordan,formerly a Sutter County Minister in Northern California,began her around-the-world voyage in late January and is expected to return at the end of next month,all while receiving her full salary and benefits,including vacation time. The arrangement came to light after the San Diego Union-Tribune inquired about complaints the newspaper received regarding the trip.

Ibrahim Ahmed, a spokesperson for Ferbert, defended the decision, stating: “As director of an Self-reliant Municipal Department, the municipal prosecutor has the authority to allow temporary teleworking agreements for office employees, case-by-case.” He added that Ferbert “thoroughly examined the job responsibilities of the position and determined that all the required work could be carried out remotely without affecting office operations,” and that Ferbert “remains in constant dialog with all the members of his executive team” and the office “has not experienced delays or other negative impacts” as a result of this agreement.

Details of the Arrangement and Reactions

Jordan was hired as one of six deputy municipal prosecutors in 2021 after leaving her position in Sutter County. Following her election victory,Ferbert initiated a reorganization of the San Diego law firm,creating the new executive deputy municipal prosecutor position now held by Jordan. this role oversees the lawyers responsible for civil litigation, the City Council, government services, and the Mayor’s Office.

The Municipal Prosecutor’s Office has not clarified why Jordan was appointed to this key position promptly before embarking on her extended cruise or why the reorganization wasn’t postponed until her return.

Jordan herself has declined to comment extensively on the situation. “I have no additional comments beyond what the Municipal Prosecutor’s Office has already provided,” she stated via email.

public records from clear California show Jordan’s salary before the promotion was $239,000 per year. In 2020, her last full year as the main prosecutor in Sutter County, she earned $155,000.

Shelley Webb,a supervisory deputy director and president of the Association of Deputy Municipal Prosecutors of san Diego,confirmed that the union was not informed of Jordan’s extended travel plans. “The DCAA previously did not know this agreement with the attached executive prosecutor of the city,Jean Jordan,and has not issued any statement in this regard,” Webb said in an email.

Ethical Concerns and Precedents

Marlea Dell’anno, a private practice lawyer who previously served as a city of San Diego prosecutor, voiced strong criticism of the arrangement: “It’s like being an absent father,” Dell’anno, who received a multimillion-dollar settlement from the city after a wrongful termination suit, stated. “You are the second person in the city prosecutor’s office.How crucial can a position be if you are not accessible to the people you direct? This does not seem somthing that a good taxpayers’ money administrator would allow.”

Dell’anno’s comments highlight the core concerns surrounding this situation: the accessibility of a key leader, the potential impact on office morale, and the perception of fiscal responsibility.

The Rise of Digital Nomads and Remote Work Policies

While long-term cruises may seem unconventional for a senior executive, the concept of working remotely while traveling the world is becoming increasingly common. The rise of “digital nomads” – individuals who leverage technology to work from anywhere – has been a critically important trend in recent years.

According to MBO partners,the number of digital nomads has surged from 7.3 million in 2019 to over 18 million in 2024. “This level of growth reflects a new normality of constant growth and a true entry to society,” the company wrote in its 2024 State of Independence in America report.

The city of San Diego has a formal teleworking policy that requires approval from the department manager and the Human Resources Office. Remote employees must also sign an agreement outlining their terms of service and working conditions. The policy stipulates that “during working hours, teleworkers are expected to respond within three hours to telephone calls, voice messages, text messages, emails or other communications of managers, supervisors or co-workers who request an answer.”

A look into the digital nomad lifestyle and the challenges of remote work.

San Diego’s Remote Workforce: By the Numbers

San Diego’s municipal Prosecutor’s Office,with nearly 425 employees and an $85 million budget,is one of the largest law firms in the city. The office states that most employees operate under hybrid schedules, working both in the office and remotely to accommodate court appearances, investigations, and other field work.

According to the Mayor’s Office, just under 2,000 of the city’s 13,300 employees have formal teleworking agreements in place.progress Services leads the way with 393 approved remote workers, followed by Public Services (307) and Engineering and Capital Projects (298).

The Broader Implications and future Outlook

This situation in San Diego highlights the growing tension between the flexibility of modern work arrangements and the need for accountability in public service. While teleworking can offer significant benefits,it also requires careful oversight and clear expectations to ensure that employees are fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.

The case raises several critical questions:

• How can government agencies ensure that remote work arrangements do not compromise the quality of service provided to the public?
• What level of flexibility is appropriate for senior executive positions?
• How can transparency and accountability be maintained when employees are working remotely, especially in high-profile roles?

The answers to these questions will be crucial as government agencies across the U.S. continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of work. The San Diego case serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of striking a balance between embracing innovation and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service.

Table: San Diego City employee Remote Work statistics

Department	Employees	Remote Employees	Percentage
Development Services	~600	393	65.5%
Public Services	~500	307	61.4%
engineering & Capital Projects	~450	298	66.2%
All City Employees	13,300	~2,000	15.0%

Note: Approximate figures based on available data.

© 2025 Archyde News. All rights reserved.

What recommendations would you offer to the San Diego Prosecutor’s Office and other government agencies facing similar challenges regarding remote work policies and accountability?

archyde News Interview: Dr. Eleanor Vance on The San Diego Prosecutor’s Office Controversy

Archyde News Editor interviews Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Public Administration and Ethics at San Diego State University, on the recent controversy surrounding a senior lawyer’s remote work arrangement in the San Diego Prosecutor’s Office.

april 15, 2025

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Archyde News: Dr. vance,thank you for joining us today. The San Diego Prosecutor’s Office is under scrutiny following reports that a senior lawyer, Jean Jordan, is currently on a four-month global cruise while teleworking in an executive role. As an expert in public administration and ethics, what are your initial thoughts on this situation?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Thank you for having me. My initial reaction is one of considerable concern. The situation demands a careful examination of the intersection of remote work policies,ethical considerations,and the public trust in government. While teleworking itself isn’t inherently problematic, the specifics here—a senior executive on a lengthy international cruise while managing a high-profile role—raise significant ethical questions.

The Ethics of Remote work and Public Service

Archyde News: The city of San Diego has a teleworking policy. How does this policy, combined with the nature of Ms. Jordan’s role, impact the potential ethical concerns?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: A well-defined teleworking policy is essential, but it’s not a panacea. The core issue here revolves around accountability and accessibility. A senior executive, responsible for overseeing crucial aspects of the city’s legal affairs, needs to be readily accessible to their team, the City Council, and the public.Can that level of availability be truly maintained while someone is on a cruise ship with fluctuating internet access and potential time zone differences? The potential for delays in response times,limited real-time interactions,and a lack of direct oversight are serious concerns.

Accountability and Openness in the San Diego Prosecutor’s Office

Archyde News: The Municipal Prosecutor’s Office has defended the arrangement, stating it wouldn’t affect office operations. What level of transparency is the public entitled to in a case like this, and does the department’s public statement go far enough?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: The public has a right to complete transparency, especially in matters involving taxpayer funds and the performance of core government functions.The public should understand the specific arrangements of the remote work agreement, the metrics used to measure productivity, and how the office ensures operations are uninterrupted. The existing statements don’t go far enough. We need more detailed answers, and the independent review of this activity is critical to rebuild and maintain public trust.

Balancing Flexibility with Responsibilities

Archyde News: With the rise of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle, how do you see government agencies balancing flexibility with the responsibilities of public service, especially for senior positions?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: The rise of remote work necessitates a nuanced approach. Flexibility is importent for employee satisfaction and attracting talent, but it cannot come at the expense of core responsibilities. For senior positions, strict parameters are needed.Clear performance expectations, stringent communication protocols, and regular, documented performance evaluations are non-negotiable. There also needs to be a clear understanding of when physical presence is essential. This is about finding a middle ground were flexibility and accountability co-exist.

Impact on Morale and Public Perception

Archyde News: The San Diego Deputy City Attorneys Association has expressed that they were not informed. What can a lack of proper communication with stakeholders ultimately affect?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Good point. An agreement such as this one can lead to a lack of trust and fairness in the workplace especially for those who work face-to-face. In addition, the public may question if taxpayer money is being effectively used.So the effects on the stakeholders can be major.

Looking Ahead: Recommendations

Archyde News: what key recommendations would you offer to the San Diego Prosecutor’s Office and other government agencies facing similar challenges regarding remote work policies and accountability?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: First, conduct a thorough internal review of all remote work agreements, notably those involving senior personnel. Second, create a transparent reporting system with clear metrics about productivity and accessability. I advocate for a robust external review by an independent body, such as a legal ethics committee or the city auditor, and implement the appropriate recommendations. This should include clear guidelines about when it is indeed or is not appropriate to engage in non-work activities and travel while employed by San diego city.

A Call to Action

Archyde News: This situation has generated considerable debate and scrutiny. What lasting lessons can be drawn from this case?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: The central lesson is that public service demands a high level of scrutiny. We want to ensure that public employees at all levels have equal conditions to uphold a healthy morale and transparency. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to public trust are paramount. This is a wake-up call for agencies across the country to review and refine their remote work policies, ensuring that they safeguard the integrity of government. This issue invites readers to share their thoughts on how to best navigate this evolving challenge. How do you think government agencies can balance the benefits of remote work with the need for accountability and transparency? We welcome your comments and viewpoints.

Conclusion

Archyde News: Dr. Vance,thank you so much for sharing your vrey insightful perspective on this evolving story. Your analysis helps bring clarity to a complicated matter.

Dr. Eleanor Vance: My pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity.

© 2025 Archyde News. All rights reserved.