ETHICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OPINION NO. 86-12



QUESTION

     Is it permissible under CJC Canon 2(B) for a judge to write a letter
of recommendation for employment for court personnel or for a personal
friend?


ANSWER

     It is permissible for a judge to write a letter of recommendation for
court personnel on court stationary.  Such letters of recommendation should
be based on the judge’s personal observations of the job performance of the
court employee.

     It is also permissible for a judge to write a letter of recommendation
for a personal friend.  Such letters should be written on plain letterhead
and should not reveal the judicial capacity.  In some instances it may be
appropriate for the judge to include a disclaimer stating that the judge is
not attempting to lend the prestige of the office to advance the private
interests of others and that the letter is being written purely as a
friend.