Advisory Opinion: 1429

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.7

Subject: Trial attorney for federal government serving as judge pro tem; conflict of interest

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the propriety of a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice serving as a judge pro tem in municipal court. The Committee was of the opinion that neither the Rules of Professional Conduct nor the Code of Judicial Conduct would prohibit being so employed. If there were any conflict, it would have to be examined on a case by case basis in which any conflict arose.

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.