Ex parte communication is prohibited, except as to procedural matters not affecting the merits of the case. All communications between the court and a party shall be in the presence of all other parties or in writing with copies to the parties or, if represented, the party's attorney, except as otherwise permitted by statute or these rules.
Minn. R. Adop. P. 9.01
Rule 9.01 reflects the prohibition against ex parte communication set forth in Rule 3.5(g) of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct and Canon 3A(7) of the Code of Judicial Conduct. .