Advisory Opinion: 1341

Year Issued: 1990

RPC(s): RPC 1.10

Subject: Conflict of interest; lawyer serving as part-time judge in courts where other members of firm practice

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning your conduct as a part time District Court commissioner and a Municipal Court judge. [The lawyer's firm represented defendants in both courts.] The Committee understood that you intend not to represent any clients in District Court and to set up your office so as to have no contact with District Court cases. The Committee was of the opinion that you could not hear any cases in District Court in which members of your firm were involved, and you could not appear in Superior Court on cases previously heard before you in District Court.

The Committee rendered no opinion regarding the Code of Judicial Conduct and suggested that you direct any such inquiry to the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee.

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.