Judicial Ethics Advisory Opinion Summaries 2021 Index

Judicial Ethics Advisory Opinion Summaries

2021 Index – Through April

COURT MANAGEMENT

California Expedited Opinion 2021-38 (https://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/CJEO-Expedited-Opinion-2021-038.pdf) (accepting services of law firm associate in chambers) (2/21)

California Expedited Opinion 2021-39 (https://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/CJEO-Expedited-Opinion-2021-039.pdf) (exchanging gifts with court staff) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-198 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-198.htm) (suggesting amendment of law) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-202 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20- 202%20Revised%20and%20Amended.htm) (courthouse artwork) (2/21)

CASE MANAGEMENT

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-206 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-206.htm) (proposed plea reduction form) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-9 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-09.htm) (use of “they” pronoun) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-46 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-46.htm) (accepting or rejecting plea dispositions) (4/21)

Virginia Advisory Opinion 2020-1 (http://www.courts.state.va.us/programs/jeac/opinions/2020/20_1.pdf) (notice to tenants about legal and financial assistance) (4/21)

PANDEMIC

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-206 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-206.htm) (proposed plea reduction form) (2/21)

RELATIONSHIP WITH TOWN, VILLAGE, PROSECUTORS

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-196 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-196.htm) (evaluating performance of town employee) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-206 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-206.htm) (proposed plea reduction form) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-26 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-26.htm) (town judge also being employed by town in non-judicial capacity; attending town board meetings; providing reports to town board) (4/21)

EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS

Illinois Advisory Opinion 2020-1 (https://www.ija.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=315:2020-1--judge-s- duty-to-recuse-following-unsolicited-ex-parte-communication&catid=23:opinions&Itemid=139) (unsolicited ex parte communication) (2/21)

DISCIPLINARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Massachusetts Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://www.mass.gov/opinion/cje-opinion-no-2021- 01) (disciplinary responsibilities; other judge’s Facebook posts) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-191/2020-192 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-191%20&%2020-192.htm) (disciplinary responsibilities) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-207 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-207.htm) (disciplinary responsibilities) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-213 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-213.htm) (disciplinary responsibilities; attorney) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-19 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-19.htm) (disciplinary responsibilities) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-45 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-45.htm) (disclosing report of attorney to grievance committee) (4/21)

REPORTING CRIMINAL CONDUCT

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-201 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-201.htm) (letter alleging law enforcement misconduct) (2/21)

STAFF – DISQUALIFICATION

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-16(A) (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-16(A).htm) (law clerk previously served as law clerk to former judge who is now government attorney) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-18 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-18.htm) (law clerk’s relative’s former firm) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-21 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-21.htm) (law clerk’s attorney) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-39 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-39.htm) (attorney who is relative of law clerk) (4/21)

STAFF – MISCELLANEOUS

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-197 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-197.htm) (court staff acting as fiduciary) (2/21)

Oklahoma Advisory Opinion 2020-3 (https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=487281) (secretary/bailiff running for court clerk) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – FAMILY MEMBER IS PROSECUTOR, PUBLIC DEFENDER

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-211 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-211.htm) (spouse is assistant county attorney) (2/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – JUDGE IS FORMER PROSECUTOR, GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY, PUBLIC OFFICIAL

New Mexico Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (http://jec.unm.edu/manuals-resources/advisoryopinions/NM%20Advisory%20Opn%2021-01.pdf) (former agency secretary and deputy secretary) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-5 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-05%20.htm) (acted as prosecutor in underlying case) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-7 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-07.htm) (former assistant district attorney) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-20 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-20.htm) (former assistant district attorney) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – FORMER LAW FIRM

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-17 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-17.htm) (former law firm) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – FORMER EMPLOYMENT

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-185 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-185.htm) (served process for private law office; spouse is secretary at law firm) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-29 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-29.htm) (former employer) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – ATTORNEY REPRESENTING JUDGE OR FAMILY MEMBER

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 1-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/01- 2021.pdf) (attorney judge consulted) (2/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – NON-FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTY

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-4 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-04.htm) (disqualification; defendant is judge’s former student) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-14 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-14.htm) (client of spouse’s firm) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-23 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-23.htm) (parties or attorney in judge’s lawsuit on behalf of minor child) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – NON-FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ATTORNEY

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-6 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-06.htm) (attorney is sibling of judge’s friend) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-16(B) (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-16(B).htm) (attorney in controversial lawsuit challenging employment actions taken by judge’s close relative) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-23 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-23.htm) (parties or attorney in judge’s lawsuit on behalf of minor child) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-48 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-48.htm) (spouse’s former law firm, previous close social relationship with attorney) (4/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 6-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/06- 2021.pdf) (attorney rents office space to spouse) (4/21)

Washington Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/pos_ethics/?fa=pos_ethics.dispopin&mode=2101) (prosecutor is opponent in election for different judicial position) (4/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-195 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-195.htm) (ex parte communication from prosecutor) (2/21)

DISQUALIFICATION – MISCELLANEOUS

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-2 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-02.htm) (providing reason for discretionary recusal) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-15 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-15.htm) (relative is law enforcement officer) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-27 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-27.htm) (former client) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-49 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-49.htm) (order disqualification of attorney) (4/21)

WRITING, APPEARING ON RADIO, IN VIDEO, INTERVIEWS

Florida Advisory Opinion 2021-3 (https://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/jeacopinions/2021/2021- 03.html) (advocacy article re autistic students) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-215 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-215.htm) (documentary about case judge prosecuted) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-24 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-24.htm) (interview with news station) (4/21)

Virginia Advisory Opinion 2020-2 (http://www.courts.state.va.us/programs/jeac/opinions/2020/20_2.pdf) (article criticizing supreme court) (4/21)

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES – SERVING ON BOARDS, COMMITTEES

Florida Advisory Opinion 2021-2 (http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/jeacopinions/2021/2021- 02.html) (organization board with partner in firm that regularly appears before judge) (4/21)

New York Opinion 2020-174 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-174.htm) (power of attorney for former client; chair of hospital entities; trustee of private not-for-profit foundations; compensated trustee of not-for-profit cemetery association) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-212 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-212.htm) (serving on board of organization that provides incarceration alternatives) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-34 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-34.htm) (soliciting bar association membership; board of senior housing development) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-43 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-43.htm) (board of local human rights commission) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-47 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-47.htm) (board of organization that supports branch of U.S. military) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-55 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-55.htm) (committee to investigate sexual harassment claims against member of not-for-profit service organization) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-70 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-70.htm) (search committee for law school dean) (4/21)

Oklahoma Advisory Opinion 2020-1 (https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=487279) (trustee for charitable foundation) (4/21)

Ohio Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://ohioadvop.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adv.-Op.- 2021-01-Final.pdf) (non-profit that provides services to court) (2/21)

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES – MISCELLANEOUS

Maryland Advisory Opinion Request 2021-3 (https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/ethics/pdfs/2021-03.pdf) (charitable organization that produces handmade robes) (4/21)

Nebraska Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/ethics-opinions/Judicial/21-1.pdf) (involvement with CASA program) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-190 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-190.htm) (objecting to name in email solicitation; sponsoring family in need; charitable contributions in court’s name) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-205 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-205.htm) (speaking as officer of not-for-profit charitable or civic organization about controversial licensing application and appeal process) (2/21) 8

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-31 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-31.htm) (biographical video for use by not-for-profit organization) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-51 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-51.htm) (accepting grant to provide free poetry readings) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-53 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-53.htm) (volunteer editor for not-for-profit poetry journal) (4/21)

Washington Advisory Opinion 2021-2 (https://www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/pos_ethics/?fa=pos_ethics.dispopin&mode=2102) (recruiting letter for law school) (4/21)

BAR ASSOCIATION/JUDGES’ ASSOCIATION

Florida Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/jeacopinions/2021/2021- 01.html) (voluntary bar association membership) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-168 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-168.htm) (bar association nominating committee) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-209 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-209.htm) (bar association task force) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-25 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-25.htm) (helping bar association apply for tax exempt status) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-34 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-34.htm) (soliciting bar association membership; board of senior housing development) (4/21)

GOVERNMENT COMMISSION

California Expedited Opinion 2021-41 (https://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/CJEO-Expedited-Opinion-2021-041.pdf) (county hate crime task force) (2/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 3-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/03- 2021.pdf) (government commission on court records retention) (2/21)

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Louisiana Advisory Opinion 284 (2021) (paid consultant to Mississippi Department of Corrections; retired judge being paid consultant to Mississippi Department of Corrections) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-187 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-187.htm) (limited liability partner) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-199 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-199.htm) (homeowner organization) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-200 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-200.htm) (lecturing for family-owned business) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-208 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-208.htm) (investing in marijuana company) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-22(B) (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-22(B).htm) (judge as landlord) (4/21)

Oklahoma Advisory Opinion 2020-2 (https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=487280) (board of directors of financial technology/payments company) (4/21)

Wyoming Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://www.courts.state.wy.us/judicial-committees-and- boards/judicial-ethics-advisory-committee-jeac/) (seeking appointment to non-judicial employment position with federal executive branch) (4/21)

ACTING AS FIDUCIARY

Connecticut Informal Opinion 2021-1 (https://jud.ct.gov/Committees/ethics/sum/2021-01.pdf) (health care representative for friend) (2/21)

FAMILY ISSUES -- APPOINTMENTS

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-210 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-210.htm) (appointment of attorney in law firm of judge’s sibling) (4/21)

FAMILY ISSUES -- POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-189 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-189.htm) (relative runs for co-judge) (2/21)

SOCIAL MEDIA

California Expedited Opinion 2021-42 (https://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/CJEO-Expedited-Opinion-2021-042.pdf) (social media statements about the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice) (4/21)

PERSONAL CONDUCT

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-108 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-108.htm) (sharing story on hospital website) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-193 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-193.htm) (speaking on town resolution regarding big game hunting) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-11 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-11.htm) (volunteer in hospital COVID study) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-35 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-35.htm) (attending sporting event or concert in luxury box as guest of spouse) (4/21)

PART-TIME JUDGES – LEGAL PRACTICE

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-1 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-01.htm) (part-time judge – village attorney) (4/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 2-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/02- 2021.pdf) (part-time judge – state agency advisor) (2/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 4-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/04- 2021.pdf) (part-time judge – representation re expungements) (2/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 5-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/05- 2021.pdf) (part-time magistrate judge being town’s on-call attorney) (4/21)

South Carolina Advisory Opinion 7-2021 (https://www.sccourts.org/advisoryOpinions/html/07- 2021.pdf) (part-time judge employed as assistant solicitor) (4/21)

PART-TIME JUDGES – COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-194 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-194.htm) (part-time judge – criminal justice council) (2/21)

PART-TIME JUDGES – OTHER NON-LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

Louisiana Advisory Opinion 284 (2021) (paid consultant to Mississippi Department of Corrections; retired judge being paid consultant to Mississippi Department of Corrections) (4/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-214 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-214.htm) (part-time judge – marriage business) (4/21)

PART-TIME JUDGES – MISCELLANEOUS

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-33 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-33.htm) (transferring new part-time judge’s cases) (4/21)

CAMPAIGN FUND-RAISING AND SPENDING

California Expedited Opinion 2021-40 (https://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/CJEO-Expedited-Advice-2021-040.pdf) (accepting PAC donations) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-36 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-36.htm) (lawn sign frames left over from campaign) (4/21)

NEW JUDGE ISSUES

New York Advisory Opinion 2020-204 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/20-204.htm) (new judge disassociating from law firm; accepting payment of legal fees) (2/21)

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-13 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-13.htm) (new judge – winding up law practice) (4/21)

COMMITTEE AUTHORITY

New York Advisory Opinion 2021-54 (https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyhtm/ip/judicialethics/opinions/21-54.htm) (committee authority) (4/21)