Rule 2.13 - Administrative Appointments(A) In making administrative appointments, a judge:(1) shall exercise the power of appointment impartially* and on the basis of merit; and(2) shall avoid nepotism and unnecessary appointments.(B) A judge shall not appoint a lawyer to a position under circumstances where it would be reasonably to be interpreted to be quid pro quo for campaign contributions or other favors, unless: (1) the position is substantially uncompensated;(2) the lawyer has been selected in rotation from a list of qualified and available lawyers compiled without regard to their having made political contributions; or(3) the judge or another presiding or administrative judge affirmatively finds that no other lawyer is willing, competent, and able to accept the position.(C) A judge shall not approve compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered.Wash. Code. Jud. Cond. 2.13
Comments
[1] Appointees of a judge include assigned counsel, officials such as referees, commissioners, special masters, receivers, and guardians, and personnel such as clerks, secretaries, and bailiffs. Consent by the parties to an appointment or an award of compensation does not relieve the judge of the obligation prescribed by paragraph (A).
[2] Unless otherwise defined by law, nepotism is the appointment or hiring of any relative within the third degree of relationship of either the judge or the judge's spouse or domestic partner, or the spouse or domestic partner of such relative.