ISBA Ethics Opinions on Ex Parte Communications | Illinois State Bar Association

Opinion 93-12 | Ex Parte Communications | Prosecutors
Ex parte communication to obtain emergency relief

It is improper for a state's attorney to communicate ex parte with a judge to obtain an emergency stay of a bail reduction order, except as provided for by statute.
Opinion 92-21 | Communication With Client | Ex Parte Communications
Attorney communication with client spouse who is a judge

A judge may confer with his/ her spouse's attorney, providing the judge has no official relationship to the spouse's legal proceeding, but only a personal one. This also means there is no impropriety in the actions of the spouse's attorney, in conferring with the client's spouse.

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.

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