A lawyer shall not:

(a) seek to influence a judge, juror, prospective juror or other official by means prohibited by law;

(b) communicate ex parte with such a person except as permitted by law; or

(c) engage in conduct intended to disrupt a tribunal.

Comment to RPC 3.5

As recommended by the Debevoise Committee, the Court has adopted ABA Model Rule 3.5, which prohibits an attorney from attempting improperly to influence a tribunal. As noted in both the ABA Comment and the Debevoise Committee report, "[r]efraining from abusive or obstreperous conduct is a corollary of the advocate's right to speak on behalf of litigants." Even when faced by less than proper judicial conduct or conduct by other counsel or participants, the attorney must stand firm in adhering to the requirements of this rule.

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