Ethics/Professional Responsibility,
Judges and Judiciary
Nov. 13, 2023
How much can judges socialize with lawyers?
A recent judicial opinion provides sobering guidance.
Wendy L. Patrick
Wendy is a California lawyer, past chair and advisor of the California State Bar Ethics Committee (Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct), and past chair of the San Diego County Bar Association Legal Ethics Committee. Any opinions expressed here are her own, and do not reflect that of her employer. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Becoming a judge is an exciting new chapter in a legal practitioner’s career, but also one that involves significant change. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve on the bench, understanding the need to give up your clients. But do you also need to give up your friends?
From seasonal events, to annual celebrations, judges and lawyers mix and mingle. There is nothing per se that prohibits triers of fact from engaging with their com...
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