Ezel / Ethics Opinions / JUDICIAL-IL

Could an Illinois judge’s former law firm host a party after the judge’s investiture?

Short answer Yes, if the gathering was not intended to advance the firm’s interests or status. The opinion also emphasized compliance with former Rule 63C(1)(c) disqualification requirements involving the firm.
Bar
JUDICIAL-IL
Issued
October 9, 2001

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This page answers the general question as of 2001. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.

Disclaimer: Advisory only. Not binding precedent.
About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official ethics opinion. The original opinion (linked on this page) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

Plain-English summary

A former law firm proposed hosting a gathering to honor a newly invested judge who had worked there.

The Committee concluded that a post-investiture celebration was permissible if it was not intended to advance the firm’s interests or status. It identified the event’s scale, extravagance, and invitees as relevant to the appearance of impropriety under former Rule 62B.

The opinion separately emphasized strict adherence to former Rule 63C(1)(c) disqualification periods when the former firm or lawyer appeared in the judge’s cases.

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 2001 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code. Treat this page as historical context and verify the current Code before relying on its analysis.

Common questions

Q: Could the former firm host the gathering?

A: Yes, if it was not intended to promote the firm’s interests or status.

Q: Did the event remove recusal duties concerning the firm?

A: No. The opinion separately emphasized former Rule 63C(1)(c).

Background and rules framework

The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62B and 63C(1)(c), addressing use of judicial prestige and disqualification involving a former firm.

Citations and references

  • Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62B and 63C(1)(c).

See also

Source

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