What does the prohibition in MRPC Rule 1.12 help to prevent?

The prohibition in MRPC Rule 1.12 is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest that arise when a former judge or adjudicative officer represents a client in a matter in which they were involved personally and substantially while serving in their official capacity. This rule is critical to maintaining the integrity of the legal system by ensuring that judges do not take advantage of their previous positions to unduly influence outcomes in legal proceedings.

Preventing judicial bias is essential to uphold the impartiality of the judiciary. When a former judge transitions into private practice, the potential for bias exists if they represent a party in a case they have previously overseen. The ethical constraints imposed by Rule 1.12 help to ensure that the legal processes remain fair and that all parties have confidence in the judicial system's ability to provide unbiased adjudication.

The importance of this rule extends to public trust in the legal profession as well. By enforcing strict boundaries regarding a former judge's involvement in related matters, the rule helps to reinforce public perception of a fair legal process.