California Ethics Committee Counsel to Retire

Nancy Black, counsel to the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) since it’s inception, will retire on April 23 after 15 years of service. She will be replaced by Jody Vakili, who has served as legal advisor to the committee since 2023.

Since it was founded as an independent committee by the California Supreme Court, the committee has issued guidance for judges on a wide and varied range of thorny ethical concerns, from involvement in marijuana-related enterprises; commenting on pending cases during a judicial election or recall campaign; or being involved in public demonstrations and rallies.

Said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero: "Over 15 years of dedicated service, Nancy Black has provided exemplary leadership for the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions. Her insightful guidance and expertise have helped the committee navigate complex ethical issues, ensuring that California’s judiciary continues to set an example for integrity, transparency, and accountability.”  

Said committee chair Justice Ronald B. Robie: “Nancy has been an invaluable leader for the committee, and her contributions over the years have been profound. Despite facing ongoing challenges, Nancy has managed our efforts with exceptional skill and determination. I am incredibly proud of CJEO, and it is a direct result of Nancy’s hard work, inspiration, and leadership. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence.”

Said committee vice chair Justice Douglas P. Miller: “I have had the distinct privilege of serving on CJEO from its inception, and had the pleasure of working with Nancy Black, our committee counsel, for this entire time period. We as a judicial branch owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her guidance in the formation of our opinions. Judicial ethics is the bedrock of a judicial officer’s time on the bench. We thank Nancy for her dedication in service to us all–her insight was invaluable in making us all better judicial officers.”

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.