Standard 1(K) Consultation with law clerks and administrative personnel

1. A judge may consult with law clerks whose function is to aid the judge in carrying out the judge’s adjudicative responsibilities or with other judges or with staff members or with the Reporter of Decisions for his or her court.

2. A judge may consult with the Legal Research Department of the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia for aid in carrying out the judge’s adjudicative responsibilities. A judge may request an advisory opinion from the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee or advice from the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission when the judge requires assistance or guidance regarding the judge’s responsibilities under these Canons.

3. Consultations described in standards K(1) and (2) are not deemed to be ex parte communications and notice to the parties under standard J(1)(d) is not required.