Ethics Committee Issues Advice on Ceremonial Swearing-In of New Attorneys

A California judicial ethics committee on Friday issued an expedited opinion addressing whether a judge may perform a ceremonial swearing-in for new admittees to the State Bar who have already taken their official oath of admission and submitted their oath cards.

The guidance was issued by the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO)-a body which is appointed and authorized by, but works independently of, the California Supreme Court.

In CJEO Expedited Opinion 2025-052, the committee advises that a judicial officer may conduct a ceremonial swearing-in provided the judge clearly informs participants and observers the event is a reaffirmation of the attorney's oath and not the official act of admission. The committee explains a ceremonial oath under those circumstances "upholds public confidence in the judiciary while allowing new admittees to be recognized in an appropriately celebratory fashion," and is permissible under the Code of Judicial Ethics.

Judges are authorized to administer oaths under statute, and swearing-in new attorneys is an important public function. Once admittees have already taken the official oath, a subsequent ceremony is purely symbolic. However, as long as the judge makes clear that the ceremony is a reaffirmation of the oath, they may ethically participate in this celebratory tradition," said committee chair Justice Ronald B. Robie .

CJEO issues expedited opinions to judicial officers who request them, following a discretionary decision by CJEO to address the ethical issues raised in an expedited process that does not include posting draft opinions for public comment (as is required for CJEO formal opinions). Expedited opinions are published in full, without identifying information regarding the requesting judicial officer, to provide guidance to the bench and the public regarding judicial ethics.

About the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO)
The Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions is a 12-member advisory committee that includes appellate justices, trial court judges, two retired judges, and a commissioner. The committee is appointed and authorized by the California Supreme Court, but its work is independent of the court, the Judicial Council, and all other entities. Its opinions are advisory and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Supreme Court or any other entity.

The committee issues formal, informal, and expedited advisory opinions on proper judicial conduct pursuant to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and other authorities. CJEO's website includes advisory opinions, resources dedicated to specific judicial assignments and issues, and extensive judicial ethics tools and resource materials for the benefit of the bench and the public.