Rule 4.8 Practice of Law

Judges cannot practice law while serving on the bench. This means they cannot take on clients, give legal advice for pay, or work as a lawyer in the usual sense while they hold their judicial position.

There are a few narrow exceptions. A judge can represent themselves in their own legal matters. A judge can also give legal advice or prepare documents for family members, as long as they are not paid for it. Judges who serve in the military can practice law when that service requires it.

Even when helping family, judges have limits. They cannot accept payment for any legal help they give to family members. They also cannot show up in court or act as the lawyer of record for a family member in any case. The goal is to keep judges from mixing their judicial role with the business of practicing law, especially when money changes hands.