The former top stenographer for Manhattan civil courts says he was wrongly fired, claiming in a new suit against the New York state court system that some of his alleged misconduct had been authorized by Manhattan’s chief clerk.

John Phelps oversaw a team of roughly 60 people who create the official records of trials, arguments and other matters at four state courthouses, said his lawsuit, filed Friday in Manhattan Supreme Court. Phelps’ suit against the New York State Unified Court System is seeking reinstatement to his job as a court reporter.