Lawyers’ Public Duties & Judicial Conduct

Question 1

Fill in the blank:

A lawyer should aspire to render at least ____ hours of pro bono legal services per year.

Answer 1

50

Rule 6.1

⚠️ Note: Lawyers should aspire to 50 hours of pro bono work, but they are not required to perform 50 hours. There is no disciplinary action for failure to meet 50 hours. States can increase this goal.

Question 2

A substantial portion of a lawyer’s pro bono hours should be provided to which groups of people or organizations?

Answer 2

1. Persons of limited means; or
2. Charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations that primarily address the needs of persons of limited means

Rule 6.1(a)

Question 3

If a lawyer is appointed to represent a client, can she decline the appointment?

Answer 3

Only for good cause, such as:

1. Representation is likely to result in violation of the Rules or other law;
2. Representation is likely to result in an unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer; or
3. The client or the cause is so repugnant to the lawyer as to be likely to impair the client-lawyer relationship or the lawyer’s ability to represent the client.

Rule 6.2

Question 4

What obligations does an appointed lawyer have to a client?

Answer 4

The same obligations as retained counsel.

ex. obligations of loyalty & confidentiality, duty to avoid assisting client in violating the Rules.

Rule 6.2 (comment)

Question 5

Does an attorney have a lawyer-client relationship with members served by an organization they are a member or officer of?

Answer 5

No

Rule 6.3, comment

Question 6

Can a lawyer serve as an officer, director, or member of a law reform organization if their interests will affect the lawyer’s client?

Answer 6

Yes, but if lawyer knows that the interests of a client may be materially benefitted by a decision in which the lawyer participates, the lawyer must disclose that fact but need not identify the client.

Rule 6.4

Question 7

If a lawyer provides short-term limited legal services to a client through a nonprofit organization or the court, and neither party expects continued legal representation, does the lawyer need to screen for conflicts of interest?

Answer 7

No, unless the lawyer:

1. Knows that the representation of the client involves a conflict of interest (then subject to rules 1.7 and 1.9(a)); and
2. Knows that another lawyer associated with the lawyer in a law firm is disqualified by Rule 1.7 or 1.9(a)

Rule 6.5

Question 8

When is a lawyer prohibited from knowingly participating in a decision or action of a legal services organization in which they are a member of?

Answer 8

1. Participating in the decision or action would be incompatible with the lawyer’s obligations to a client under Rule 1.7; or
2. The decision or action could have a material adverse effect on the representation of a client of the organization whose interests are adverse to a client of the lawyer

Rule 6.3

Question 9

Can a lawyer or law firm accept government legal engagement or an appointment by a judge?

Answer 9

No, if the lawyer or law firm makes a political contribution or solicits political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or being considered for that type of legal engagement or appointment.

Rule 7.6

Question 10

Rule 8.2 prohibits lawyers from making what kind of statements concerning judges and judicial candidates?

Answer 10

Statements that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge or judicial candidate.

Rule 8.2(a)

Question 11

When asked to evaluate the professional or personal fitness of candidates for judicial office, lawyers must express what type of opinions?

Answer 11

Honest and candid opinions because it contributes to improving the administration of justice.

Rule 8.2, comment 1

Question 12

True or False:

A judge should uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and avoid impropriety, including the appearance of impropriety.

Answer 12

False

A judge must uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and avoid impropriety, including the appearance of impropriety.

Question 13

What is the test for whether conduct creates an appearance of impropriety?

Answer 13

Whether the conduct would create in reasonable minds a perception that the judge violated this Code or engaged in other conduct that reflects adversely on the judge’s honesty, impartiality, temperament, or fitness to serve as a judge.

Canon 1.2, comment 5

Question 14

Is it proper for a judge to use his or her position to gain personal advantage or deferential treatment?

Answer 14

No

This includes things like alluding to judicial status to gain favorable treatment in traffic stops or using judicial letterhead to gain an advantage in conducting personal business.

Canon 1.3, comment 1

Question 15

Can a judge use official letterhead to provide a reference or recommendation for an individual?

Answer 15

Yes, as long as the judge indicates that the reference is personal and if there is no likelihood that use of the letterhead could be reasonably perceived as an attempt to exert pressure by reason of the judicial office.

Canon 1.3, comment 2

Question 16

Is a judge allowed to initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications concerning a pending or impending proceeding?

Answer 16

No, unless:

1. Circumstances require it (ex. scheduling, administrative, or emergency purposes that do not address substantive matters) AND
   • the judge believes no party will gain an unfair advantage and
     
     • the judge notifies all parties and gives them an opportunity to respond;
2. Communication is for settlement purposes with the consent of both parties;
3. Communication is authorized by law; or
4. Communication is with court personnel whose function is to aid the judge in carrying out the judge’s adjudicative responsibilities.

Canon 2.9

Question 17

Can a judge independently investigate facts in a matter?

Answer 17

No, a judge can only consider the facts presented at trial and those that are judicially noticed.

Canon 2.9(c)

Question 18

True or False:

Judges may make public statements that affect the outcome or fairness of a trial as long as the judge reasonably believes the statements to be true.

Answer 18

False

A judge shall not make any public statement that might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of a matter pending or impending in any court, or make any nonpublic statement that might substantially interfere with a fair trial or hearing.

Canon 2.10

Question 19

Is a judge permitted to respond directly or through a third party to allegations in the media or elsewhere concerning the judge’s conduct in a matter?

Answer 19

Yes

Canon 2.10(E)

Question 20

Are judges required to inform the appropriate authority if they have knowledge that another lawyer has committed a violation of the Model Code or the Rules that raises a substantial question regarding their honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a judge or lawyer?

Answer 20

Yes, judges must inform the appropriate authority.

Canon 2.15

Question 21

What happens if a judge suspects, but does not have actual knowledge, that another judge or lawyer has committed misconduct?

Answer 21

If there is a substantial likelihood that the lawyer or judge committed misconduct, the judge shall take appropriate action.

Canon 2.15

Question 22

Can the parties agree to waive a judge’s disqualification based on personal bias or prejudice concerning a party?

Answer 22

No

Canon 2.11(C)

Question 23

Under what circumstances (6) must a judge disqualify himself from a proceeding?

Answer 23

1. Has personal bias or prior knowledge of disputed facts
2. Judge or close relative is involved in the case, has a financial interest, or is likely to be a material witness
3. A household family member has an economic interest in the matter
4. Knows of excessive campaign contributions from a party or lawyer
5. Has made public statements committing to a particular result
6. Previously served as lawyer, public official, witness, or judge in the matter

Canon 2.11

⚠️ Note: “Close relative” includes those within the third degree of relationship. Economic interest must be more than de minimis. Prior involvement includes substantial participation in the matter as a lawyer, public official, or judge. Public comments must not compromise impartiality.

Question 24

What must a judge refrain from doing when engaging in extrajudicial activities?

Answer 24

Participating in activities that:

1. Interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties;
2. Lead to frequent disqualification of the judge;
3. Would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge’s independence, integrity, or impartiality;
4. Appear to a reasonable person to be coercive; or
5. Make use of court premises, staff, stationery, equipment, or other resources, except for incidental use for activities that concern the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice, or unless such additional use is permitted by law.

Canon 3.1

Question 25

Can a judge testify as a **character witness** in a legal proceeding?

Answer 25

No, except when duly summoned. ## Footnote [Canon 3.3](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_code_of_judicial_conduct/model_code_of_judicial_conduct_canon_3/rule3_3testifyingasacharterwitness/)

Question 26

When can a judge accept an invitation for the judge and the judge's spouse, domestic partner, or guest to attend an event **without charge**? ## Footnote ex. transportation and lodging will be provided

Answer 26

Only when the event is associated with a **bar-related function** or other activity **relating to the law**.

Question 27

Can a judge accept appointment to serve as a **guardian** for a member of the judge's family?

Answer 27

Yes, but only if such service will not interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties.

Question 28

Can judges **commend or criticize jurors** for their verdicts?

Answer 28

No

Question 29

When does a judge's **economic interest** lead to disqualification?

Answer 29

When it's **more than a de minimis interest**. ## Footnote [Rule 2.11](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_code_of_judicial_conduct/model_code_of_judicial_conduct_canon_2/rule2_11disqualification/)

Question 30

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Answer 30

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