Ezel / Ethics Opinions / JUDICIAL-IL

Could an Illinois judge recommend a lawyer for a township political organization’s board?

Short answer Yes. The Committee allowed a recommendation or reference based on the judge’s personal knowledge of the applicant, even though the position was with a political organization.
Bar
JUDICIAL-IL
Issued
July 25, 2001

Apply this to your situation

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 Not binding precedent.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 township political organization asked a judge for a reference about a lawyer seeking appointment to its governing board. The judge had known the lawyer personally for many years.

The Committee concluded that former Rule 62B did not bar a reference or recommendation based on the judge’s personal knowledge. It said the political nature of the appointive position did not change that result.

The opinion also addressed the recommendation’s content and tone in relation to the former Code’s public-confidence duties.

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 The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 judge serve as a reference?

A: Yes, based on personal knowledge of the lawyer.

Q: Did the political-board role itself change the answer?

A: No. The Committee said the type of appointive position did not alter the result.

Background and rules framework

The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rule 62B and discussed IJEC Opinions 93-9, 95-3, 95-4, and 96-2 on judicial references.

Citations and references

  • Illinois Supreme Court Rule 62B.
  • IJEC Opinions 93-9, 95-3, 95-4, and 96-2.

See also

Source

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