Rule 3.11 - Financial, Business, Or Remunerative Activities(A) A judge may hold and manage investments of the judge and members of the judge's family.*(B) A judge shall not serve as an officer, director, manager, general partner, advisor, or employee of any business entity except that a judge may manage or participate in: (1) a business closely held by the judge or members of the judge's family; or(2) a business entity primarily engaged in investment of the financial resources of the judge or members of the judge's family.(C) A judge shall not engage in financial activities permitted under paragraphs (A) and (B) if they will:(1) interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties;(2) lead to frequent disqualification of the judge;(3) involve the judge in frequent transactions or continuing business relationships with lawyers or other persons likely to come before the court on which the judge serves; or(4) result in violation of other provisions of this Code.(D) As soon as practicable without serious financial detriment, the judge must self-divest of investments and other financial interests that might require frequent disqualification or otherwise violate this Rule.Wash. Code. Jud. Cond. 3.11
Comments
[1] Judges are generally permitted to engage in financial activities, subject to the requirements of this Rule and other provisions of this Code. For example, it would be improper for a judge to spend so much time on business activities that it interferes with the performance of judicial duties. See Rule 2.1. Similarly, it would be improper for a judge to use their official title or appear in judicial robes in business advertising, or to conduct their business or financial affairs in such a way that disqualification is frequently required. See Rules 1.3 and 2.11.
[2] There is a limit of not more than one (1) year allowed to comply with Rule 3.11(D). (See Application Part IV.)