Judge Modifies Order Barring Morgan Stanley Exec's Hiring Assistance

New York Supreme Court Justice Emily Jane Goodman has modified a ruling last week that temporarily barred James Gorman, the new brokerage head at Morgan Stanley, from trying in any way to recruit staff member from his former company, Merrill Lynch. In an advance of hearing set for March 30 to decide whether the temporary restraining order should remain in force, the judge now says Gorman may participate in the hiring process by providing information about potential hires and otherwise participating in hiring-related activities, Investment News reports. Gorman still may not make any direct or indirect contact with potential candidates from Merrill Lynch, which had accused Gorman of trying to attract former colleagues to his new team.