2010-26 (September 8, 2010)
Disclosure/Disqualification; Family; Canon 2; New CJC (effective 1-1-11): Rules 1.2 & 2.11

Issue: Should a Judicial Official disclose pertinent information regarding his or her relationship with a sibling, who is an attorney, and a second attorney in any case involving an appearance by the other attorney, who has an ongoing subleasing relationship and an occasional case referral, with referral fee, relationship with the Judicial Official’s sibling?

Response: Based upon the facts presented, the Committee unanimously decided that pursuant to Canon 2’s proscription with respect to avoiding the appearance of impropriety, the Judicial Official should disclose the close, ongoing financial relationship involving subleasing and occasional case referrals between the Judicial Official’s sibling and the attorney in any case in which the attorney appears before the Judicial Official.