A brand new ethics opinion from the Texas Center for the Judiciary makes clear what I have argued for years: it is not ethical to allow a part-time Associate Judge to also practice law.  The opinion states: Ethics Opinion Number 296 ( 2013 ) PRACTICE OF LAW BY PART-TIME JUDGE FACTS: An attorney has been appointed as a part-time family law associate judge by the district judge. The associate judge continues to represent family law clients before other district courts of that county and before courts in other surrounding counties. QUESTIONS: May a part-time family law associate judge, appointed by a court, represent family law clients before any of the other courts 1. in that county? 2. in surrounding counties? ANSWER: The committee answers Question 1 “No.” The committee answers Question 2 with a qualified “No.” DISCUSSION: A part-time associate judge appointed by a court is governed by the Code of Judicial Conduct. Canon 6D.  As stated in Canon 6D(1)1, certain ... Read More >