Opinion 22-31

April 1, 2022

Dear :

This responds to your inquiry (22-31) asking if, as a part-time attorney judge, you may preside in a small claims matter involving a former client you represented nine years ago in Family Court.

The Committee has advised that a judge is disqualified, subject to remittal, from presiding in any matters involving a former client for two years after “representation of a former client ends or final payment of any fees pending or owed to the judge, whichever is later” (Opinion 15-126; see 17-100; 15-51).

Since nine years have elapsed following the representation of your former client and the date of final payment, you may preside in the small claims matter involving your former client.

Enclosed for your convenience are Opinions 17-100; 15-126; 15-51 which address this issue.

                  Very truly yours,

                                       Margaret Walsh

                                       Supreme Court Justice

                                       Committee Co-Chair

                                       Lillian Wan

                                       Supreme Court Justice

                                       Committee Co-Chair

Encls.