State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

May superior court judges represent themselves before courts of this state in matters in which they are a plaintiff or defendant?

Answer

It is proper for superior court judges to represent themselves before courts of this state in matters in which they are a plaintiff or defendant as this does not constitute the practice of law as contemplated by CJC Cannon 5(F).

NOTE: Effective June 23, 1995, the Supreme Court amended the Code of Judicial Conduct. In addition to reviewing the ethics advisory opinions, the following should be noted: Opinion 88-11—The language in CJC Canon 5(F) has been modified. The Supreme Court adopted a new Code of Judicial Conduct effective January 1, 2011. In addition to reviewing the ethics advisory opinions, the following should be noted: CJC 3.10 Opinion 88-11 8/30/1988

Courts | Organizations | News | Opinions | Rules | Forms | Directory | Library

Back to Top | Privacy and Disclaimer Notices