State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

May a part-time judicial officer, whose duties will in part involve family law matters, engage in the practice of law in a firm in which some of the members practice family law?

Answer

CJC Canon 2(A) requires judges, whether full or part-time, to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity or impartiality of the judiciary. The Code of Judicial Conduct does not regulate the activities of a law firm. Those matters are governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct. However, part-time judicial officers must recuse themselves in any case where the part-time judicial officer's firm is retained by any of the parties.

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 Application II CJC 1.2 CJC 2.11(A)(6)(a)

Opinion 90-17

10/10/1990