Committee on Judicial Ethics - Subject Index of Advisory Opinions

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Committee on Judicial Ethics

Ethics Advisory Opinions

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | W | Y | Z

-- A --

Activity by an Organization Concerned with the Law

Attending a luncheon meeting hosted by a Judicial Branch non-profit contractor (2012-18)

Advancing Private Interests

Preparing for post-retirement employment (2008-08)
Preparing for post-retirement employment (2010-03)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
Contacting Governor’s Legal Counsel to recommend judge for higher office (2011-19)
Judge’s spouse writing letter of support for family member involved in a criminal matter (2011-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Cooperating with publisher’s program of book promotion; book signings, interviews and talks (2012-13)
Receiving a MADD award at annual dinner (2012-25)
Accepting an award from a victim support and advocacy group at a candlelight vigil (2012-29, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Making donation and attending a fund-raising event hosted by Children’s Law Center (2012-30)
Receiving award at community chamber of commerce program (2013-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a panelist at a widely advertised for-profit business summit (2013-28, Formal Opinion)
Granting a nonprofit organization permission to use name and former political title on organization’s letterhead (2014-08)
Character reference for an attorney who is the subject of a pending grievance (2014-09)
Signing a letter in support of a co-parenting communication program (2015-14)
Signing letter in support of Lawyers for Children America (2015-16)
Providing affidavit to a family member involved in out-of-state lawsuit (2016-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Providing a letter of recommendation to Governor’s Legal Counsel at the request of a candidate seeking judicial appointment Court (2020-04)

Advertising

Use of advertising material for seminar (2008-14)
Use of name for advertising award dinner (2009-11)
Placing an advertisement in fundraising journal (2009-16, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Use of name in advertising the awarding of an honorary degree (2010-32)
Cooperating with publisher’s program of book promotion; book signings, interviews and talks (2012-13)

Advisory Opinions – Jurisdiction

Matters pending before a court, agency or commission (2008-11)
Appearing attorney involved in potential complaint against judge (2009-03)
Hypothetical question - Participating as a panel member at an educational seminar (2011-31)

Advocacy

Engaging in non-partisan advocacy for the establishment of a governmental commission, primarily concerned with the law, the legal system and the administration of justice (2012-14)

Affidavits

Judge as victim and witness of property crime (2012-20, Emergency Opinion)

Appearance of Impropriety

Holiday party on a cruise ship (2008-16)
Serving on board of legal aid organization (2009-10, Formal Opinion)
Membership on the American Board of Trial Advocates (2009-17)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Officiating and attending wedding of former co-worker (2010-18)
Accepting award/free tickets to a legal aid event underwritten by law firm donors (2010-30)
Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee with broad responsibilities (2011-02)
Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee to provide on-going review/recommendations for improvements to a specific program or facility (2011-03)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to facilitating discussions (2011-04)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to connecting the official to constituencies the department/agency serves (2011-05)
Serving as delegate for an organization that promotes a particular national or ethnic origin (2011-09)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
Contacting Governor’s Legal Counsel to recommend judge for higher office (2011-19)
Court employee’s relative a criminal defendant sentenced by judge (2011-27)
Attending lawyer’s retirement party (2012-01)
Retirement dinner/fundraiser for judge to benefit non-profit organization concerned with the law, the legal system or the administration of justice (2012-22)
Judge represented by a member of the same law firm that represented a party in a prior unrelated matter (2012-24)
Accepting an invitation from the CT Trial Lawyers Association to attend a dinner at its annual meeting (2013-25)
Participating as a panelist at a widely advertised for-profit business summit (2013-28, Formal Opinion)
Presiding over juvenile cases involving a prosecutor who previously consulted with an attorney (former law partner of judge’s spouse) on an unrelated adult criminal matter (2013-45, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over a trial involving an attorney who is a member of the Judicial Review Council (2013-46, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as an adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America (2014-01)
Character reference for an attorney who is the subject of a pending grievance (2014-09)
Prior service on a municipal police department’s firearm discharge and civilian complaint review board (2014-13)
Serving on the interview panel for the selection of a municipal corporation counsel (2014-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking at a dinner in honor of a recently retired politician (2015-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer teaching ethics at a regional or higher level positions (2015-15A)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer serving on the executive board of a regional council and as a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting (2015-15B)
Providing affidavit to a family member involved in out-of-state lawsuit (2016-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Communicating with state’s attorney about a case pending before another judge (2016-08, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Membership in the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association (2017-07)
Using a retired police commissioner license plate (2017-09)
Engaging in a gift transaction for tax avoidance purposes (2017-16)
Commenting on the character of a recently appointed municipal chief of police to a newspaper (2018-01, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (2018-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as a member of a university’s board of trustees (2018-08)
Engaging in business as a real estate broker (2018-13)
Providing a letter of recommendation to Governor’s Legal Counsel at the request of a candidate seeking judicial appointment Court (2020-04)

Associations, See Membership.

Attorneys

Performance evaluations for attorneys seeking contracts with the Commission on Child Protection (2009-15)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Presiding in case involving judge’s former attorney & spouse’s attorney (2009-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Reporting unprofessional conduct of an out-of-state attorney (2010-06)
Referring pending cases from former law practice to attorneys (2013-19)
Social relationship with attorney who previously referred cases to judge (2013-20)
Participating in an adult co-ed summer soccer league organized by an attorney (2014-07)
Obligation to report possible misconduct by an attorney (2015-01)
Duty to report attorney’s alleged misconduct (2015-03)
Presiding in cases involving the attorney who prepared a document (QDRO) for judge (2016-02)
Duty to disclose that relative worked at law firm (2016-04)
Presiding over cases involving friend’s son (2016-14)
Attending lawyer's baby shower (2017-01 Emergency Staff Opinion)
Disqualification from matters involving an attorney against whom a complaint was filed where judge was witness to behavior (2017-10)
Ex parte communications from an out-of-state attorney (2018-03, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Ethical obligations when attorney, who has been charged with a crime, appears as counsel of record for numerous clients in the judge’s Judicial District (2020-02)

Attorney Conflict

Appearing attorney involved in potential complaint against judge (2009-03)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Ongoing duty to disclose prior lawsuit or complaint after matter is resolved ( 2015-21)

Avoiding Abuse of Office

Serving as editor of legal treatise and soliciting judges and attorneys to author chapters in the treatise (2014-15)
Participating as a contestant on the television reality show “The Amazing Race” (2015-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Reselling tickets to a sporting event (2018-09)
Serving as a reference or providing letter of recommendation for Support Enforcement Officer (2018-17)

Awards & Honors

Award for excellence in mediation by nonprofit organization (2009-11)
Accepting award, in a representative capacity, at a fundraiser (2009-14)
Accepting recognition at advocacy organization fundraiser (2009-32)
Accepting recognition as a distinguished high school alumni at non-fundraising event (2009-35)
Accepting award at banquet for student athletes (2009-39)
Accepting award from criminal justice public agency (2010-13)
Accepting award/free tickets to a legal aid event underwritten by law firm donors (2010-30)
Accepting honorary degree from college in connection with speaking appearance (2010-32)
Accepting award from a Judicial non-profit contractor (2011-29)
Accepting recognition at a fundraiser hosted by law-related organization (2012-15)
Receiving a MADD award at annual dinner (2012-25)
Accepting an award from a victim support and advocacy group at a candlelight vigil (2012-29, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Making donation and attending a fund-raising event hosted by Children’s Law Center (2012-30)
Receiving award at community chamber of commerce program (2013-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Receiving an award from a nonprofit service organization committed to supporting the culture and economic survival of its members’ ancestry/ethnicity (2015-04)
Receiving an award from a non-law-related organization at a fund-raising event (2018-16)
Receiving an award at a religious organization’s gala event, which includes a silent auction, buffet dinner and awards ceremony (2019-02)

Top

-- B --

Bar Association Functions

Attending a bar association’s annual meeting as a guest of the bar association (2011-13)
Accepting an invitation from the CT Trial Lawyers Association to attend a dinner at its annual meeting (2013-25)
Speaking on a panel at an enrichment event for the Women’s Caucus of the CT Trial Lawyers Association (2013-33)

Bias and Prejudice

Status as an owner of a pet adopted from an animal rescue center (2011-16)
Status as a member of the Audubon Society in a case involving environmental issues (2011-24)
Judge represented by a member of the same law firm that represented a party in a prior unrelated matter (2012-24)
Presiding over juvenile cases involving a prosecutor who previously consulted with an attorney (former law partner of judge’s spouse) on an unrelated adult criminal matter (2013-45, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over a trial involving an attorney who is a member of the Judicial Review Council (2013-46, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Prior service on a municipal police department’s firearm discharge and civilian complaint review board (2014-13)

Board of Directors, Nonprofit organization

Serving on board of legal aid organization (2009-10, Formal Opinion)

Business Activities

Engaging in business as a real estate broker (2018-13)
Creating an LLC with a long-time friend for the purpose of developing and selling real estate (2020-01)

Top

-- C --

Character Witness

Testifying as a fact witness at an administrative hearing regarding a personnel matter involving a close personal friend (2012-31)
Character reference for an attorney who is the subject of a pending grievance (2014-09)
Providing affidavit to a family member involved in out-of-state lawsuit (2016-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Charitable Activities

Attending expensive charity event (2008-05)
Soliciting contributions by spouse (2008-07)
Attending charity event as guest of an attorney (2008-09)
Attending fundraising charity dinner honoring relative (2009-02)
Serving as honorary co-chair of charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Co-authoring book & writing program book articles for benefit of charity (2010-02)
Providing letter of support to law-related organization for fundraising (2011-28, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Signing a letter of support, in judge’s capacity as Chair of a Judicial Branch committee, on behalf of a legal aid organization (2013-24)

Change in Law Firm Name

Removing name from former law firm (2017-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Civic Activities

Speaking at legal aid breakfast (2009-09)
Serving as director of legal aid organization (2009-10, Formal Opinion)
Speaking at a cultural flag-raising celebration (2009-18, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on advisory board of a program devoted to refugee and immigrant services (2009-33)
Attending gubernatorial ball and dinner at no cost (2010-36)
Serving as keynote speaker for a nonprofit civic organization fundraising program (2010-38)
Speaking at the anniversary dinner of a non-profit land conservation organization (2013-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as the master of ceremonies and introducing dignitaries at a fundraising event hosted by a non-law related organization (2013-29)
Attending the portrait unveiling ceremony of a former governor (2013-37)
Serving as keynote speaker at civic/charitable organization award dinner (2013-41)
Serving on a United Way committee (2017-06)
Receiving an award from a non-law-related organization at a fund-raising event (2018-16)
Serving on the Board or various committees of a community organization that provides research and funding to improve the lives of a specific gender (2019-01)
Receiving an award at a religious organization’s gala event, which includes a silent auction, buffet dinner and awards ceremony (2019-02)

Compensation

Accepting payment from former law firm (2008-19 & 2008-19A)
Accepting honorarium and reimbursement for costs of conference, travel, lodging and meals (2010-22)
Accepting gift card as honorarium for speaking at an executive branch sponsored event (2012-11)
Accepting a referral fee pursuant to an agreement made prior to judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-08)
Signing affidavit and accepting payment for work performed prior to judicial appointment (2013-34)
Completing form in support of former law firm’s request for additional compensation (2018-14)

Compensation and Reporting

Serving as editor of a legal treatise and accepting compensation (2014-11)
Serving as editor of legal treatise and soliciting judges and attorneys to author chapters in the treatise (2014-15)

Compliance with Code

Application of Code to Family Support Magistrate Referees (2008-13)

Court Employees

Recommendation for court employee (2008-01)
Reference letter for former law clerk (2008-03)
Recommendation for court employee (2008-26)
Court employee, applying for law firm position (2009-20, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Temporary Assistant Clerks, applying for law firm position (2009-36)
Court employee’s relative a criminal defendant sentenced by judge (2011-27)
Purchasing items from a Judicial Branch employee (2014-14)
Serving on the interview panel for the selection of a municipal corporation counsel (2014-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Providing letter of reference to AG’s Office for court employee (2015-11)
Duty to disclose that attorney served as judge’s temporary assistant clerk (2016-05)

Attending lawyer's baby shower (2017-01 Emergency Staff Opinion)

Law clerk’s extrajudicial activities and judge’s supervisory duty (2018-07)
Serving as a reference or providing letter of recommendation for Support Enforcement Officer (2018-17)

Top

-- D --

Disclosure/Disqualification

Knowledge gained from prior court assignment (2008-02)
Communications with law firm regarding post-retirement employment (2008-08)
Ownership of small amount of stock (2008-12)
Prior employment as part-time corporation counsel (2008-21)
Appearing attorney involved in potential complaint against judge (2009-03)
Letter of support for attorney nominated for award (2009-05)
Reference letter for applicant to municipal police department (2009-08)
Family member has case pending in judge’s judicial district (2009-12)
Letter of recommendation for applicant to federal court system (2009-13)
Performance evaluations for attorneys seeking contracts with the Commission on Child Protection (2009-15)
Court employee, applying for position with law firm (2009-20, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Presiding in case involving judge’s former attorney & spouse’s attorney (2009-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Temporary Assistant Clerks, applying for position with law firm (2009-36)
Writing a prologue to a hornbook (2009-40)
Former client appearing as a party (2010-04)
Presiding in a case where party has testified before legislature against judge’s reappointment (2010-09)
Writing foreword to a book on child safety and the Internet (2010-15)
Presiding in a case involving former condominium association attorney (2010-19)
Spouse’s ownership of stock in corporation (2010-23)
Prior professional relationship with former law firm, municipal clients and attorney with whom judge had subleasing arrangement (2010-25)
Disclosure of financial relationship between judge’s sibling and appearing attorney (2010-26)
Presiding over motion in a case where judge has close personal relationship with retired partner in law firm (2010-28)
Receipt from college of an honorary degree (2010-32)
Responding to an inquiry from the Judicial Selection Committee (2011-01)
Duty to disclose close personal relationship with AG (2011-06)
Ownership of stocks/bonds in financial institution (2011-07)
Ownership of stocks/bonds in financial institution (2011-08)
Duty to disclose relationship with nonprofit agency and its attorneys (2011-11)
Status as an owner of a pet adopted from an animal rescue center (2011-16)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
When family member is a police officer (2011-20)
Status as a member of the Audubon Society in a case involving environmental issues (2011-24)
Ownership of collateralized mortgage obligation bonds (2011-22)
Providing information to an executive branch agency for publication on its website (2011-25)
Court employee’s relative a criminal defendant sentenced by judge (2011-27)
Accepting award from a Judicial non-profit contractor (2011-29)
Marrying a government attorney (2012-03)
Presiding over pretrial involving law firm that represents judge in a pending matter (2012-08, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Former law partner serving as a special master (2012-09, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over matter involving spouse’s employer (2012-19, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Judge represented by a member of the same law firm that represented a party in a prior unrelated matter (2012-24)
Providing letter of recommendation to the Office of the Chief Public Defender (2012-27)
Serving as a member of a community advisory board for a hospital consortium seeking state-funding for a health screening program (2012-33)
Referring pending cases from former law practice to attorneys (2013-19)
Social relationship with attorney who previously referred cases to judge (2013-20)
Consenting to the use of the judge’s name as a reference for an Executive Branch employee (2013-32)
Signing affidavit and accepting payment for work performed prior to judicial appointment (2013-34)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Presiding over juvenile cases involving a prosecutor who previously consulted with an attorney (former law partner of judge’s spouse) on an unrelated adult criminal matter (2013-45, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over a trial involving an attorney who is a member of the Judicial Review Council (2013-46, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over cases involving a relative’s law firm (2013-48)
Duty to disclose or recuse relationship with former partner or former law firm (2014-03)
Participating in an adult co-ed summer soccer league organized by an attorney (2014-07
Serving as editor of a legal treatise and accepting compensation (2014-11)
Presiding in a case involving family member’s law firm (2014-12)
Prior service on a municipal police department’s firearm discharge and civilian complaint review board (2014-13)
Acting as a legal advisor for family member (2015-09, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Providing reference for attorney seeking National Board of Trial Advocacy recertification (2015-10)
Providing letter of reference to AG’s Office for court employee (2015-11)
Serving as a reference for an attorney seeking certification by the National Association of Counsel for Children (2015-12, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over cases involving family member’s law firm (2015-17)
Accepting dinner invitation from commercial publisher (2015-19)
Duty to recuse or disclose the existence of a fee-splitting arrangement involving spouse’s law firm (2015-20, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Ongoing duty to disclose prior lawsuit or complaint after matter is resolved ( 2015-21)
Presiding in cases involving the attorney who prepared a document (QDRO) for judge (2016-02)
Providing letter of recommendation to the Office of the Chief Public Defender (2016-03, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Duty to disclose that relative worked at law firm (2016-04)
Duty to disclose that attorney served as judge’s temporary assistant clerk (2016-05)
Presiding over cases that are tried by Assistant State’s Attorneys who work under the supervision of a close personal friend; Duty to disclose close personal relationship (2016-12)
Presiding over cases involving friend’s son (2016-14)
Disqualification from matters involving an attorney against whom a complaint was filed where judge was witness to behavior (2017-10)
Reselling tickets to a sporting event (2018-09)
Completing form in support of former law firm’s request for additional compensation (2018-14)
Serving as a reference or providing letter of recommendation for Support Enforcement Officer (2018-17)
Ethical obligations when attorney, who has been charged with a crime, appears as counsel of record for numerous clients in the judge’s Judicial District (2020-02)

Discounts, See also Gifts.

Accepting one year subscription to Connecticut Law Tribune at a special discounted government rate (2010-20)
Contracting with state technical school students at discounted rate; contracting with state technical school employees (2011-26)

Top

-- E --

Educational Activities

Participating as a panel member at an educational seminar (2008-14)
Participating as a mock trial judge for contract attorneys (2008-23)
Participating at law-related educational program with corporate & law firm sponsors (2009-23)
Teaching course on legislative process at state university (2009-24)
Appearing in a DCF recruitment video (2009-29)
Participating as a mock trial judge for group of psychiatrists and psychiatry students (2009-34)
Discussing judge’s personal views of the scientific evidence in a criminal case (2010-11)
Speaking to state employees who are engaged in licensing, investigation and quality improvement of daycare facilities (2010-21, Formal Opinion)
Speaking at an out-of-state conference regarding the general use and presentation of forensic and scientific evidence in criminal trial (2010-22)
Providing assistance to a high school mock trial team (2012-26)
Accepting offer to attend law school training at a reduced rate/free of charge (2012-34)
Serving as coach for middle school mock trial team (2013-11)
Speaking on a law related topic at a TEDx conference at non-profit educational institution (2013-23)
Speaking to a class of law school students about the legislative and state budget process (2013-39)
Serving as a panelist speaker at a foreclosure seminar hosted by the CT Mortgage Bankers Association (2013-42)
Speaking on a panel at non-profit trade media organization’s annual meeting (2013-43)
Serving on an advisory board for a particular program of studies at a nonprofit educational institution (2014-24)

Electronic Social Media

Participating in an internet-based social networking site, such as Facebook (2013-06)

Continuing to use for personal matters an email address created by the Judicial Official’s former law office (2013-05)

Event, attendance/appearance

Speaking at legal aid breakfast (2009-09)
Award recipient at a nonprofit fundraising dinner event (2009-11)
Accepting award, in a representative capacity, at fundraiser (2009-14)
Speaking at a cultural flag-raising celebration (2009-18, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating at law-related educational program with corporate & law firm sponsors (2009-23)
Accepting recognition at advocacy organization fundraiser (2009-32)
Accepting recognition as a distinguished high school alumni at non-fundraising event (2009-35)
Award recipient/guest of honor at banquet for student athletes (2009-39)
Serving as EMCEE at an awards ceremony (2010-02)
Discussing judge’s personal views of the scientific evidence in a criminal case (2010-11)
Speaking at a reception for a for-profit, law-related business (2010-17)
Officiating and attending wedding of former co-worker (2010-18)
Speaking to state employees who are engaged in licensing, investigation and quality improvement of daycare facilities (2010-21, Formal Opinion)
Speaking at an out-of-state conference regarding the general use and presentation of forensic and scientific evidence in criminal trial (2010-22)
Participating in golf tournament fundraiser for injured employee (2010-27)
Award recipient at legal aid organization event underwritten by law firm donors (2010-30)
Attending university dinner to raise funds for Gov. Rell Center for Public Service (2010-33)
Attending gubernatorial ball and dinner at no cost (2010-36)
Serving as keynote speaker for a nonprofit civic organization fundraising program (2010-38)
Serving as delegate for an organization that promotes a particular national or ethnic origin (2011-09)
Attending a bar association’s annual meeting as a guest of the bar association (2011-13)
Accepting gift card as honorarium for speaking at an executive branch sponsored event (2012-11)
Accepting recognition at a fundraiser hosted by law-related organization (2012-15)
Attending a luncheon meeting hosted by a Judicial Branch non-profit contractor (2012-18)
Attending small gathering for retiring political official (2012-21)
Retirement dinner/fundraiser for judge to benefit non-profit organization concerned with the law, the legal system or the administration of justice (2012-22)
Speaking at the anniversary dinner of a non-profit land conservation organization (2013-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Receiving award at community chamber of commerce program (2013-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking on a law related topic at a TEDx conference at non-profit educational institution (2013-23)
Accepting an invitation from the CT Trial Lawyers Association to attend a dinner at its annual meeting (2013-25)
Participating as a panelist at a widely advertised for-profit business summit (2013-28, Formal Opinion)
Participating as the master of ceremonies and introducing dignitaries at a fundraising event hosted by a non-law related organization (2013-29)
Speaking on a panel at an enrichment event for the Women’s Caucus of the CT Trial Lawyers Association (2013-33)
Attending the portrait unveiling ceremony of a former governor (2013-37)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Serving as keynote speaker at civic/charitable organization award dinner (2013-41)
Serving as a panelist speaker at a foreclosure seminar hosted by the CT Mortgage Bankers Association (2013-42)
Speaking on a panel at non-profit trade media organization’s annual meeting (2013-43)
Attending a holiday party hosted by a municipality’s governing body (2013-47)
Serving as Grand Marshal of a municipality’s ethnic day parade (2015-18, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending a large annual holiday party hosted by a law firm (2015-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a guest of honor and speaker at historical society fund-raiser (2016-15, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending lawyer's baby shower (2017-01 Emergency Staff Opinion)
Making a donation to, and/or purchasing a ticket and attending a fundraising event hosted by, the New Haven Family Alliance (2017-11, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Marching in a municipal parade with other former municipal officials (2018-12)
Receiving an award from a non-law-related organization at a fund-raising event (2018-16)
Receiving an award at a religious organization’s gala event, which includes a silent auction, buffet dinner and awards ceremony (2019-02)

Ex Parte Communications

Contacting federal judge hearing parallel case (2008-22)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Communicating with state’s attorney about a case pending before another judge (2016-08, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Ex parte communications from an out-of-state attorney (2018-03, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Extrajudicial Activities

Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee with broad responsibilities (2011-02)
Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee to provide on-going review/recommendations for improvements to a specific program or facility (2011-03)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to facilitating discussions (2011-04)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to connecting the official to constituencies the department/agency serves (2011-05)
Accepting legal honor society’s offer to waive annual dues (2011-10)
Serving on board of a nonprofit affiliated with Executive Branch agency (2011-15)
Accepting certifying agency’s offer to waive dues (2011-23)
Accepting gift card as honorarium for speaking at an executive branch sponsored event (2012-11)
Cooperating with publisher’s program of book promotion; book signings, interviews and talks (2012-13)
Appearing as a radio show guest to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court Affordable Care Act decision (2012-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Submitting an op-ed article for publication in a newspaper concerning the importance of voting in the upcoming election (2012-32)
Serving as a member of a community advisory board for a hospital consortium seeking state-funding for a health screening program (2012-33)
Serving on the board of directors of an out-of-state homeowners’ association (2013-01)
Soliciting contributions for a portrait in honor of a deceased judge (2013-02)
Participating in an internet-based social networking site, such as Facebook (2013-06)
Socializing with attorney whose cases make up a large portion of the judge’s docket (2013-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on board of nonprofit organization that provides services to court-involved clients and receives the majority of its funding from Judicial Branch contracts (2013-15)
Serving as an officer, director or section leader for the Connecticut Bar Association (2013-16)
Continuing membership as a Judicial Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2013-17)
Continuing membership as a Judicial Fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (2013-18)
Assisting with the organizational effort to establish CT’s first Family Justice Center for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence (2013-26)
Serving on the board of a law-related professional organization (2013-31)
Serving on the board of directors of a law-related professional organization (2013-31)
Speaking on a panel at an enrichment event for the Women’s Caucus of the CT Trial Lawyers Association (2013-33)
Serving as an adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America (2014-01)
Serving on the board of a governmental organization that uses state funds to support the humanities (2014-05)
Participating in an adult co-ed summer soccer league organized by an attorney (2014-07)
Serving as editor of a legal treatise and accepting compensation (2014-11)
Serving as editor of legal treatise and soliciting judges and attorneys to author chapters in the treatise (2014-15)
Attending reception and concert as a guest of the Mayor and Center for Family Justice (2015-06, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a contestant on the television reality show “The Amazing Race” (2015-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer teaching ethics at a regional or higher level positions (2015-15A)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer serving on the executive board of a regional council and as a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting (2015-15B)
Serving as Grand Marshal of a municipality’s ethnic day parade (2015-18, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending a large annual holiday party hosted by a law firm (2015-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participation in the Energize Connecticut rebate program (2016-06, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Supporting the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Organization for Women, and a national ethnic bar association by: (1) donating money, (2) joining as a member, and/or (3) serving as an officer or board member (2016-16)
Membership in the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association (2017-07)
Unsubscribing from e-mails from organizations concerning political and similar issues (2017-08)
Making a donation to, and/or purchasing a ticket and attending a fundraising event hosted by, the New Haven Family Alliance (2017-11, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Inviting family and friends to a free event hosted by a non-law-related civic organization, with intent to solicit contributions at a later time (2017-13)
Serving on the advisory committee of a community ethnic fund-granting organization (2017-15)
Serving on Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (2018-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as a member of a university’s board of trustees (2018-08)
Reselling tickets to a sporting event (2018-09)
Providing collaborative divorce training through the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (2018-11)
Marching in a municipal parade with other former municipal officials (2018-12)
Playing a scripted role of a fictional judge in a movie (2019-03)
Joining a local bar association in the locality in which judicial official works or lives (2019-04)
Speaking at a Silent March at the steps of the CT Supreme Court (2020-03)

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-- F --

Facebook

Participating in an internet-based social networking site, such as Facebook (2013-06)

Family

Attending expensive charity event (2008-05)
Soliciting contributions by spouse (2008-07)
Attending charity event, with spouse, as guest of attorney (2008-09)
Writing letter of recommendation to Judicial Selection Commission for relative (2008-10)
Attending fundraising dinner honoring relative (2009-02)
Attending political event honoring relative (2009-07)
Acting as legal advisor for close family member (2009-12)
Acting as guardian for disabled family member (2010-14)
Spouse’s ownership of stock in corporation (2010-23)
Disclosure of financial relationship between judge’s sibling and appearing attorney (2010-26)
When family member is a police officer (2011-20)
Court employee’s relative a criminal defendant sentenced by judge (2011-27)
Judge’s spouse writing letter of support for family member involved in a criminal matter (2011-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as executor for a first cousin who resides outside CT (2012-04)
Presiding over matter involving spouse’s employer (2012-19, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over cases involving a relative’s law firm (2013-48)
Presiding in a case involving family member’s law firm (2014-12)
Acting as a legal advisor for family member (2015-09, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Presiding over cases involving family member’s law firm (2015-17)
Duty to recuse or disclose the existence of a fee-splitting arrangement involving spouse’s law firm (2015-20, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Engaging in a gift transaction for tax avoidance purposes (2017-16)
Political activities of family member (2018-06)
Serving as trustee for a first cousin; calculation of degree of consanguinity (2020-05)

Family Support Magistrate Referee

Applicability of the Code of Judicial Conduct to Family Support Magistrate Referees (2008-13)

Fiduciary Positions

Serving as executor for a first cousin who resides outside CT (2012-04)
Serving as conservator when scheduled to be sworn in as a judge(2014-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Engaging in business as a real estate broker (2018-13)
Serving as trustee for a first cousin; calculation of degree of consanguinity (2020-05)

Financial Activities

Stock ownership in bank that frequently appears before judge (2008-12)
Financial contributions to a legal aid society (2008-18)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Maintaining accumulated funds in a retirement plan set up by former law firm (2015-13)
Creating an LLC with a long-time friend for the purpose of developing and selling real estate (2020-01)

Financial Disclosure

Attending expensive charity event (2008-05)
Attending charity event as guest of attorney (2008-09)
Financial contributions to a legal aid society (2008-18)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)

Former Law Firm. See also Compensation.

Accepting payment from former law firm (2008-19 & 2008-19A)
Accepting a referral fee pursuant to an agreement made prior to judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-08)
Answering factual questions posed by attorneys in connection with referred cases (2013-12)
Duty to disclose or recuse relationship with former partner or former law firm (2014-03)

Fundraiser. See also Charitable Activities; Event, attendance/appearance.

Speaking at a legal aid breakfast (2009-09)
Award recipient at a nonprofit fundraising dinner event (2009-11)
Accepting award, in a representative capacity, at a fundraiser (2009-14)
Placing an advertisement in fundraising journal (2009-16, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Accepting recognition at advocacy organization fundraiser (2009-32)
Award recipient at fundraising banquet for student athletes (2009-39)
Golf tournament fundraiser for injured employee (2010-27)
Serving as keynote speaker for a nonprofit civic organization fundraising program (2010-38)
Accepting recognition at a fundraiser hosted by law-related organization (2012-15)
Retirement dinner/fundraiser for judge to benefit non-profit organization concerned with the law, the legal system or the administration of justice (2012-22)
Participating as the master of ceremonies and introducing dignitaries at a fundraising event hosted by a non-law related organization (2013-29)
Making a donation to, and/or purchasing a ticket and attending a fundraising event hosted by, the New Haven Family Alliance (2017-11, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Receiving a special recognition in a program book at a non-law-related fund-raising event (2017-14, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Receiving an award from a non-law-related organization at a fund-raising event (2018-16)
Receiving an award at a religious organization’s gala event, which includes a silent auction, buffet dinner and awards ceremony (2019-02)

Fundraising, See also Charitable Activities; Soliciting Contributions.

Serving on a law school reunion committee (2008-06)
Soliciting contributions by spouse (2008-07)
Serving as honorary co-chair of charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Being listed as a sponsor in a musician’s program journal (2009-38)
Co-authoring book & writing program book articles for benefit of charity (2010-02)
Soliciting sustaining members of a law related organization (2010-31)
Providing letter of support to law-related organization for fundraising (2011-28, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on a nonprofit law-related organization that engages in fundraising (2012-07)
Soliciting contributions for a portrait in honor of a deceased judge (2013-02)
Signing a letter of support, in judge’s capacity as Chair of a Judicial Branch committee, on behalf of a legal aid organization (2013-24)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Granting a nonprofit organization permission to use name and former political title on organization’s letterhead (2014-08)
Use of name in an annual writing competition sponsored by an ethnic bar association (2014-10)
Use of judges’ photographs and biographical information for a Connecticut Bar Foundation project (2016-09)
Inclusion of judge’s name in a fundraising program journal (2016-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a guest of honor and speaker at historical society fund-raiser (2016-15, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as an honoree at Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (2017-03)

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-- G --

Gifts

Accepting baseball tickets from attorney (2008-04)
Attending expensive charity event (2008-05)
Soliciting contributions by spouse (2008-07)
Attending charity event as guest of attorney (2008-09)
Participating as a panel member at an educational seminar (2008-14)
Attending fundraising charity dinner honoring relative (2009-02)
Spending time with lawyer friends at their vacation home (2009-04)
Accepting ticket to hospital fundraising event (2009-31, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Accepting one year subscription to Connecticut Law Tribune at a special discounted government rate (2010-20)
Accepting award/free tickets to a legal aid event underwritten by law firm donors (2010-30)
Attending gubernatorial ball and dinner at no cost (2010-36)
Attending a bar association’s annual meeting as a guest of the bar association (2011-13)
Marrying a government attorney (2012-03)
Officiating at wedding and attending reception (2012-17, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending a luncheon meeting hosted by a Judicial Branch non-profit contractor (2012-18)
Accepting offer to attend law school training at a reduced rate/free of charge (2012-34)
Accepting a gift from the judge’s former state office at a dinner celebrating the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-09)
Accepting gifts at a family-organized dinner celebrating judge’s appointment to bench (2013-10)
Accepting a gift from an attorney at a dinner in honor of the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-22)
Accepting an invitation from the CT Trial Lawyers Association to attend a dinner at its annual meeting (2013-25)
Accepting a book from an attorney (2013-27)
Accepting gift from bank (2014-06, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Accepting offer to vacation with a family friend (2014-19)
Accepting dinner invitation from commercial publisher (2015-19)
Attending a large annual holiday party hosted by a law firm (2015-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Engaging in a gift transaction for tax avoidance purposes (2017-16)

Governmental Commissions

Appointment to governmental commission (2008-24)
Participation on State Post-Employment Benefits Commission (2010-05)
Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee with broad responsibilities (2011-02)
Serving on a statutorily-created Executive Branch advisory committee to provide on-going review/recommendations for improvements to a specific program or facility (2011-03)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to facilitating discussions (2011-04)
Serving on an ad hoc advisory committee to an Executive Branch official with participation limited to connecting the official to constituencies the department/agency serves 2011-05)
Appointment to board of a nonprofit affiliated with Executive Branch agency 2011-15)
Propriety of serving on Connecticut Sentencing Commission (2011-21, Formal Opinion)
Serving on the board of a governmental organization that uses state funds to support the humanities (2014-05)

Government Officials

Providing a letter of recommendation to Governor’s Legal Counsel at the request of a candidate seeking judicial appointment Court (2020-04)

Guardianship

Acting as guardian for disabled family member (2010-14)

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-- H --

-- I --

Impartiality

Serving on the interview panel for the selection of a municipal corporation counsel (2014-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking at a dinner in honor of a recently retired politician (2015-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Membership in the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association (2017-07)
Using a retired police commissioner license plate (2017-09)
Conducting independent factual investigation via the internet (2018-04)

Independent Research

Conducting independent factual investigation via the internet (2018-04)

-- J --

Judicial Nominees

Contracting with state technical school students at discounted rate; contracting with state technical school employees (2011-26)

Judicial Power of Appointment

Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)

Jurisdiction

Engaging in a gift transaction for tax avoidance purposes (2017-16)

-- K --

-- L --

Law School Activities

Serving on a law school reunion committee (2008-06)
Accepting offer to attend law school training at a reduced rate/free of charge (2012-34)

Lawyer Peer Review

Providing Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating for lawyer (2011-17)
Serving as a reference for law firm in the Chambers & Partners guide (2013-40)
Completing an anonymous survey, post-trial, rating lawyer’s performance (2014-20)

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-- M --

Media, See also Off the Bench Conduct

Initiating communications with the media (2008-20)
Participating on “Law Talk” segment of radio program (2008-25)
Being interviewed on camera regarding television coverage of court proceedings (2009-01)

Membership

Serving as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (2009-17)
Honorary lifetime membership in law enforcement alumni association (2010-16)
Membership in an organization that promotes a particular national or ethnic origin (2011-09)
Membership in a national ethnic bar association (2012-10)
Serving as an adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America (2014-01)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer teaching ethics at a regional or higher level positions (2015-15A)
Boy Scouts of America volunteer serving on the executive board of a regional council and as a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting (2015-15B)
Joining a local bar association in the locality in which judicial official works or lives (2019-04)

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-- N --

Name, Use of

In communications concerning law school fundraising activities (2008-06)
Use of name for advertising award dinner (2009-11)
As a reference for applicant to federal court system (2009-13)
Placing an advertisement in fundraising journal (2009-16, Emergency Staff Opinion)
On advocacy organization’s online listing of officials willing to perform same sex marriages (2009-19)
Participating at law-related educational program with corporate & law firm sponsors (2009-23)
Serving as honorary co-chair of charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Serving as director of a publicly-held company (2009-28)
Being listed as a sponsor in a musician’s program journal (2009-38)
Use of title in articles written for program book (2010-02)
Use of title in golf tournament fundraiser for injured employee (2010-27)
Use of name in advertising legal aid organization event (2010-30)
Lending name to a campaign whose purpose is to solicit sustaining members of a law related organization (2010-31)
Use of name in advertising the awarding of an honorary degree (2010-32)
Use of title on a website answer board (2011-14)
Maintaining a personal webpage (2012-12)
Retirement dinner/fundraiser for judge to benefit non-profit organization concerned with the law, the legal system or the administration of justice (2012-22)
Receiving award at community chamber of commerce program (2013-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Granting a nonprofit organization permission to use name and former political title on organization’s letterhead (2014-08)
Use of judge’s name for an ethnic bar association’s annual dinner (2016-10)
Inclusion of judge’s name in a fundraising program journal (2016-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Removing name from former law firm (2017-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Receiving a special recognition in a program book at a non-law-related fund-raising event (2017-14, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Retiring judge’s use of judicial title in private practice (2018-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Political activities of family member (2018-06)

New Judge

Accepting payment from former law firm (2008-19 & 2008-19A)
Continuing to use for personal matters an email address created by the Judicial Official’s former law office (2013-05)
Accepting a referral fee pursuant to an agreement made prior to judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-08)
Accepting a gift from the judge’s former state office at a dinner celebrating the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-09)
Accepting gifts at a family-organized dinner celebrating judge’s appointment to bench (2013-10)
Answering factual questions posed by attorneys in connection with referred cases (2013-12)
Accepting a gift from an attorney at a dinner in honor of the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-22)
Signing affidavit and accepting payment for work performed prior to judicial appointment (2013-34)
Completing form in support of former law firm’s request for additional compensation (2018-14)

Notifying Former Clients

Notifying former clients and assisting successor counsel (2017-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)

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-- O --

Oath of Office

Being sworn in by spouse (2010-12, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Administering oath to elected legislative official (2010-37, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Off the Bench Conduct

Initiating communications with the media (2008-20)
Communicating with federal judge hearing parallel case (2008-22)
Participating on “Law Talk” segment of radio program (2008-25)
Being interviewed on camera concerning television coverage of court proceedings (2009-01)
Attending fundraising charity dinner honoring relative (2009-02)
Cooperating with publisher’s program of book promotion; book signings, interviews and talks (2012-13)
Appearing as a radio show guest to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court Affordable Care Act decision (2012-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Submitting an op-ed article for publication in a newspaper concerning the importance of voting in the upcoming election (2012-32)
Signing a petition to an educational program’s parent organization (2014-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as editor of a legal treatise and accepting compensation (2014-11)
Serving as editor of legal treatise and soliciting judges and attorneys to author chapters in the treatise (2014-15)
Participating as a contestant on the television reality show “The Amazing Race” (2015-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Ordinary Social Hospitality

Attending sold-out baseball game with attorney-friend using tickets obtained by attorney’s law firm (2008-04)
Guests of spouse’s client at charity event (2008-05)
Tickets to charity reception and dinner from attorney (2008-09)
Attending law firm’s holiday party (2008-16)
Spending time at vacation home of attorney (2009-04)
Officiating and attending wedding of former co-worker (2010-18)
Marrying a government attorney (2012-03)
Officiating at wedding and attending reception (2012-17, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending a holiday party hosted by a municipality’s governing body (2013-47)
Accepting offer to vacation with a family friend (2014-19)
Attending a large annual holiday party hosted by a law firm (2015-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)

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-- P --

Participating in a March

Speaking at a Silent March at the steps of the CT Supreme Court (2020-03)

Participating in a movie

Playing a scripted role of a fictional judge in a movie (2019-03)

Policy and Rules of Committee

Matters pending before a court, agency or commission (2008-11)
Appearing attorney involved in potential complaint against judge (2009-03)
Hypothetical question - Participating as a panel member at an educational seminar (2011-31)

Political Activity/ Organizations

Public event at which friend will announce candidacy for political office (2009-06, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending political event honoring relative (2009-07)
Contributions to federal and non-Connecticut political organizations & candidates (2010-24)
Attending small gathering for retiring political official (2012-21)
Submitting an op-ed article for publication in a newspaper concerning the importance of voting in the upcoming election (2012-32)
Signing primary petition on behalf of a political candidate (2013-36)
Speaking at a dinner in honor of a recently retired politician (2015-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Supporting the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Organization for Women, and a national ethnic bar association by: (1) donating money, (2) joining as a member, and/or (3) serving as an officer or board member (2016-16)
Meeting with a U.S. Senator from another state to discuss issues of mutual interest (2017-04, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Unsubscribing from e-mails from organizations concerning political and similar issues (2017-08)
Political activities of family member (2018-06)

Post-retirement Employment

Communications with law firm, post-retirement employment (2008-08)
Advertising with private ADR service, providing general notice to attorneys of post-retirement availability (2010-03)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
Publicly disclosing plans to retire from bench and enter the private practice of law (2014-16), Emergency Staff Opinion
Retiring judge’s use of judicial title in private practice (2018-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Practice of Law

Acting as legal advisor for close family member (2009-12)
Signing an acknowledgment or affidavit (2009-26, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Answering factual questions posed by attorneys in connection with referred cases (2013-12)
Acting as a legal advisor for family member (2015-09, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Taking an acknowledgment (2016-01, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Prestige of Office

Serving on a law school reunion committee (2008-06)
Serving on advisory board of an organization operated by a for-profit business (2009-25)
Serving as honorary co-chair of charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
Contacting Governor’s Legal Counsel to recommend judge for higher office (2011-19)
Judge’s spouse writing letter of support for family member involved in a criminal matter (2011-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Receiving a MADD award at annual dinner (2012-25)
Accepting an award from a victim support and advocacy group at a candlelight vigil (2012-29, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Making donation and attending a fund-raising event hosted by Children’s Law Center (2012-30)
Participating in a group photo wearing robe in support of Rare Disease Day (2013-04, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking on a law related topic at a TEDx conference at non-profit educational institution (2013-23)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Serving as editor of a legal treatise and accepting compensation (2014-11)
Serving on an advisory board for a particular program of studies at a nonprofit educational institution (2014-24)
Signing a letter in support of a co-parenting communication program (2015-14)
Signing letter in support of Lawyers for Children America (2015-16)
Removing name from former law firm (2017-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Providing a letter of recommendation to Governor’s Legal Counsel at the request of a candidate seeking judicial appointment Court (2020-04)

Promoting Public Confidence

Contracting with state technical school students at discounted rate; contracting with state technical school employees (2011-26)
Receiving a MADD award at annual dinner (2012-25)
Accepting an award from a victim support and advocacy group at a candlelight vigil (2012-29, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Making donation and attending a fund-raising event hosted by Children’s Law Center (2012-30)
Participating in a group photo wearing robe in support of Rare Disease Day (2013-04, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Signing a letter of support, in judge’s capacity as Chair of a Judicial Branch committee, on behalf of a legal aid organization (2013-24)
Assisting with the organizational effort to establish CT’s first Family Justice Center for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence (2013-26)
Use of name in an annual writing competition sponsored by an ethnic bar association (2014-10)
Prior service on a municipal police department’s firearm discharge and civilian complaint review board (2014-13)
Obligation to report possible misconduct by an attorney (2015-01)
Attending reception and concert as a guest of the Mayor and Center for Family Justice (2015-06, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Use of judges’ photographs and biographical information for a Connecticut Bar Foundation project (2016-09)
Inclusion of judge’s name in a fundraising program journal (2016-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a guest of honor and speaker at historical society fund-raiser (2016-15, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending lawyer's baby shower (2017-01 Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as an honoree at Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (2017-03)
Meeting with a U.S. Senator from another state to discuss issues of mutual interest (2017-04, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on a United Way committee (2017-06)
Disqualification from matters involving an attorney against whom a complaint was filed where judge was witness to behavior (2017-10)
No obligation to report alleged criminal conduct by a litigant (2017-12, Formal Opinion)
Inviting family and friends to a free event hosted by a non-law-related civic organization, with intent to solicit contributions at a later time (2017-13)
Receiving a special recognition in a program book at a non-law-related fund-raising event (2017-14, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on the advisory committee of a community ethnic fund-granting organization (2017-15)
Commenting on the character of a recently appointed municipal chief of police to a newspaper (2018-01, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Reselling tickets to a sporting event (2018-09)
Serving as a reference or providing letter of recommendation for Support Enforcement Officer (2018-17)
Serving on the Board or various committees of a community organization that provides research and funding to improve the lives of a specific gender (2019-01)
Ethical obligations when attorney, who has been charged with a crime, appears as counsel of record for numerous clients in the judge’s Judicial District (2020-02)
Speaking at a Silent March at the steps of the CT Supreme Court (2020-03)

Public Statements

Engaging in non-partisan advocacy for the establishment of a governmental commission, primarily concerned with the law, the legal system and the administration of justice (2012-14)
Appearing as a radio show guest to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court Affordable Care Act decision (2012-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Submitting an op-ed article for publication in a newspaper concerning the importance of voting in the upcoming election (2012-32)
Commenting on the character of a recently appointed municipal chief of police to a newspaper (2018-01, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking at a Silent March at the steps of the CT Supreme Court (2020-03)

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-- Q --

-- R --

Recommendations

Recommendation for court employee (2008-01)
Reference letter for former law clerk (2008-03)
Recommendation for relative being considered for judgeship (2008-10)
Letter of reference in adversarial character and fitness proceeding for bar applicant (2008-15)
Recommendation of attorney for legal representation (2008-17)
Recommendation for court employee (2008-26)
Letter of support for attorney nominated for award (2009-05)
Reference letter for applicant to municipal police department (2009-08)
Letter of recommendation for applicant to federal court system (2009-13)
Performance evaluations for attorneys seeking contracts with the Commission on Child Protection (2009-15)
Recommendation for employee of former business client (2009-22)
Completing recommendation form for prep school admission (2009-37)
Recommendation for former private practice secretary (2010-07)
Responding to an inquiry from the Judicial Selection Committee (2011-01)
Retiring judge seeking court appointments/letters of recommendations (2011-18A & 18B)
Contacting Governor’s Legal Counsel to recommend judge for higher office (2011-19)
Recommending name of counsel and accepting referral fee (2012-02)
Reference letter for person nominated as a Youth of the Year (2012-05)
Questionnaire for attorney being considered for inclusion in an international legal honorary society (2012-16)
Providing letter of recommendation to the Office of the Chief Public Defender (2012-27)
Providing letter of reference for a long-time friend in connection with a federal sentencing hearing (2013-30)
Consenting to the use of the judge’s name as a reference for an Executive Branch employee (2013-32)
Serving as a reference for law firm in the Chambers & Partners guide (2013-40)
Completing an anonymous survey, post-trial, rating lawyer’s performance (2014-20)
Providing reference for attorney seeking National Board of Trial Advocacy recertification (2015-10)
Providing letter of reference to AG’s Office for court employee (2015-11)
Serving as a reference for an attorney seeking certification by the National Association of Counsel for Children (2015-12, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Signing a letter in support of a co-parenting communication program (2015-14)
Signing letter in support of Lawyers for Children America (2015-16)
Providing letter of recommendation to the Office of the Chief Public Defender (2016-03, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Reaching out to courthouse employee and suggesting that he/she send résumé to judge’s friend (2016-11)
Ex parte communications from an out-of-state attorney (2018-03, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as a reference or providing letter of recommendation for Support Enforcement Officer (2018-17)
Providing a letter of recommendation to Governor’s Legal Counsel at the request of a candidate seeking judicial appointment Court (2020-04)

Recusal See Disclosure & Disqualification.

Referral Fee

Recommending name of counsel and accepting referral fee (2012-02)

Remittal

Stock ownership in bank that frequently appears before judge (2008-12)

Reporting Misconduct

Appearing attorney involved in potential complaint against judge (2009-03)
Ex parte letter to judge from appearing attorney (2009-21)
Reporting unprofessional conduct of an out-of-state attorney (2010-06)
Duty to report possible misconduct of another judge (2010-10)
Obligation to report possible misconduct by an attorney (2015-01)
Duty to report attorney’s alleged misconduct (2015-03)
Disqualification from matters involving an attorney against whom a complaint was filed where judge was witness to behavior (2017-10)
No obligation to report alleged criminal conduct by a litigant (2017-12, Formal Opinion)
Ethical obligations when attorney, who has been charged with a crime, appears as counsel of record for numerous clients in the judge’s Judicial District (2020-02)

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-- S --

Senior Judges/Judge Trial Referees

Participation on State Post-Employment Benefits Commission (2010-05)

Sentencing Proceedings

Providing letter of reference for a long-time friend in connection with a federal sentencing hearing (2013-30)

Service on Board

Serving as director of legal aid organization (2009-10, Formal Opinion)
Serving on advisory board of an organization operated by a for-profit business (2009-25)
Serving as director of a publicly-held company (2009-28)
Serving on advisory board of a program devoted to refugee and immigrant services (2009-33)
Serving as director of a charitable foundation (2010-29)
Serving on a nonprofit law-related organization that engages in fundraising (2012-07)
Serving on board of nonprofit organization that provides services to court-involved clients and receives the majority of its funding from Judicial Branch contracts (2013-15)
Serving on the board of a law-related professional organization (2013-31)
Serving on the board of directors of a law-related professional organization (2013-31)
Serving on the board of directors of a condominium association (2014-17)
Serving as an officer and member of the board of directors of a country club (2014-18)
Law clerk’s extrajudicial activities and judge’s supervisory duty (2018-07)

Service on Board of Non-Law-Related Community Organization

Serving on the Board or various committees of a community organization that provides research and funding to improve the lives of a specific gender (2019-01)

Service on Board of Non-Law-Related Nonprofit Organization

Serving on a nonprofit, non-law-related education-related accreditation board (2012-06)
Serving on community advisory board for a division of a nonprofit educational institution (2012-28)
Serving as a member of a community advisory board for a hospital consortium seeking state-funding for a health screening program (2012-33)
Serving on the board of directors of an out-of-state homeowners’ association (2013-01)
Serving on an advisory board for a non-law-related school within a nonprofit higher education institution (2014-22)
Serving on an advisory board for a particular program of studies at a nonprofit educational institution (2014-24)
Serving on the board of directors of a Connecticut nonprofit educational institution (2015-22)
Serving on Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (2018-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as a member of a university’s board of trustees (2018-08)
Serving as president of a college’s alumni association (2018-15)

Social Activities

Accepting baseball tickets from attorney (2008-04)
Serving on a law school reunion committee (2008-06)
Holiday party on a cruise ship (2008-16)
Accepting ticket to hospital fundraising event (2009-31, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending prosecutor’s retirement party (2010-08)
Attending lawyer’s retirement party (2012-01)
Socializing with attorney whose cases make up a large portion of the judge’s docket (2013-07, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Attending a holiday party hosted by a municipality’s governing body (2013-47)
Attending a large annual holiday party hosted by a law firm (2015-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Attending lawyer's baby shower (2017-01 Emergency Staff Opinion)

Social Relationship

Social relationship with attorney who previously referred cases to judge (2013-20)

Soliciting Contributions. See also Fundraising.

Serving on a law school reunion committee (2008-06)
Soliciting contributions by spouse (2008-07)
Participating at law-related educational program with corporate & law firm sponsors (2009-23)
Serving as honorary co-chair of charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Submitting articles for inclusion in charity’s program book (2010-02)
Soliciting sustaining members of a law related organization (2010-31)
Serving on a nonprofit law-related organization that engages in fundraising (2012-07)
Use of judge’s name for an ethnic bar association’s annual dinner (2016-10)
Inviting family and friends to a free event hosted by a non-law-related civic organization, with intent to solicit contributions at a later time (2017-13)

Soliciting Participation

Soliciting people to participate in blood drive in honor of attorney (2010-34)

Speaking, See also Educational Activities

Speaking at legal aid breakfast (2009-09)
Speaking at cultural flag-raising celebration (2009-18, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Teaching course on legislative process at state university (2009-24)
Speaking at charitable organization’s goods drive (2009-27)
Speaking at an awards ceremony honoring distinguished high school alumni (2009-35)
Speaking as a guest of honor at banquet for student athletes (2009-39)
Serving as EMCEE at an awards ceremony (2010-02)
Discussing judge’s personal views of the scientific evidence in a criminal case (2010-11)
Speaking at a reception for a for-profit, law-related business (2010-17)
Speaking to state employees who are engaged in licensing, investigation and quality improvement of daycare facilities (2010-21, Formal Opinion)
Speaking at an out-of-state conference regarding the general use and presentation of forensic and scientific evidence in criminal trial (2010-22)
Serving as keynote speaker for a nonprofit civic organization fundraising program (2010-38)
Accepting gift card as honorarium for speaking at an executive branch sponsored event (2012-11)
Cooperating with publisher’s program of book promotion; book signings, interviews and talks (2012-13)
Participating as the master of ceremonies and introducing dignitaries at a fundraising event hosted by a non-law related organization (2013-29)
Attending, speaking and being acknowledged at a fund-raising event co-hosted by national nonprofit law-related organization that engages in litigation, education and public policy work for a particular class of citizens (2013-35)
Speaking to a class of law school students about the legislative and state budget process (2013-39)
Serving as keynote speaker at civic/charitable organization award dinner (2013-41)
Serving as a panelist speaker at a foreclosure seminar hosted by the CT Mortgage Bankers Association (2013-42)
Speaking on a panel at non-profit trade media organization’s annual meeting (2013-43)
Speaking at a dinner in honor of a recently retired politician (2015-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Speaking at town meeting (2015-05)

Stock Interest

Stock ownership in bank that frequently appears before judge (2008-12)
Spouse’s stock ownership in corporation (2010-23)

Supervisory Duties

Law clerk’s extrajudicial activities and judge’s supervisory duty (2018-07)

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Teaching, See Educational Activities

Testimony of Judge

Judge as victim and witness of property crime (2012-20, Emergency Opinion)
Testifying as a fact witness at an administrative hearing regarding a personnel matter involving a close personal friend (2012-31)
Speaking at town meeting (2015-05)

Time for Compliance

Serving as conservator when scheduled to be sworn in as a judge (2014-21, Emergency Staff Opinion)

Transition to the Bench

Accepting payment from former law firm (2008-19 & 2008-19A)
Continuing to use for personal matters an email address created by the Judicial Official’s former law office (2013-05)
Accepting a referral fee pursuant to an agreement made prior to judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-08)
Accepting a gift from the judge’s former state office at a dinner celebrating the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-09)
Accepting gifts at a family-organized dinner celebrating judge’s appointment to bench (2013-10)
Answering factual questions posed by attorneys in connection with referred cases (2013-12)
Referring pending cases from former law practice to attorneys (2013-19)
Accepting a gift from an attorney at a dinner in honor of the judge’s appointment to the bench (2013-22)
Signing affidavit and accepting payment for work performed prior to judicial appointment (2013-34)
Status of Judicial Nominee’s law firm’s name and bank account (2014-04)
Serving on the board of a governmental organization that uses state funds to support the humanities (2014-05)
Maintaining accumulated funds in a retirement plan set up by former law firm (2015-13)
Notifying former clients and assisting successor counsel (2017-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Removing name from former law firm (2017-05, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Completing form in support of former law firm’s request for additional compensation (2018-14)

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Use of Office

Writing testimonial/endorsement for legal practice guide (2010-35)
Administering oath to elected legislative official (2010-37, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving as keynote speaker for a nonprofit civic organization fundraising program (2010-38)
Signing a petition to an educational program’s parent organization (2014-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Use of name in an annual writing competition sponsored by an ethnic bar association (2014-10)
Purchasing items from a Judicial Branch employee (2014-14)
Serving on the interview panel for the selection of a municipal corporation counsel (2014-23, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Use of judges’ photographs and biographical information for a Connecticut Bar Foundation project (2016-09)
Inclusion of judge’s name in a fundraising program journal (2016-13, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as a guest of honor and speaker at historical society fund-raiser (2016-15, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Participating as an honoree at Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (2017-03)
Serving on a United Way committee (2017-06)
Receiving a special recognition in a program book at a non-law-related fund-raising event (2017-14, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Serving on the advisory committee of a community ethnic fund-granting organization (2017-15)
Serving on the Board or various committees of a community organization that provides research and funding to improve the lives of a specific gender (2019-01)

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Waiver of Dues

Accepting legal honor society’s offer to waive annual dues (2011-10)
Accepting certifying agency’s offer to waive dues (2011-23)

Website

Maintaining a personal webpage (2012-12)

Website Answer Board Expert

Serving as an answer board expert on website operated by nonprofit/non-partisan organization (2011-14)

Weddings, See also Event, attendance/appearance

Officiating at wedding of former co-worker (2010-18)

Witness

Judge as victim and witness of property crime (2012-20, Emergency Opinion)

Writing, See also Educational Activities.

Writing prologue to horn book (2009-40)
Serving as co-author of book on history of sporting event and submitting articles for inclusion in charity’s program book (2010-02)
Writing foreword to a book on child safety and the Internet (2010-15)
Writing testimonial/endorsement for legal practice guide (2010-35)
Providing information to an executive branch agency for publication on its website (2011-25)
Judge’s spouse writing letter of support for family member involved in a criminal matter (2011-30, Emergency Staff Opinion)
Submitting an op-ed article for publication in a newspaper concerning the importance of voting in the upcoming election (2012-32)
Signing a petition to an educational program’s parent organization (2014-02, Emergency Staff Opinion)

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