Priv Warn of DI Judge (03/06/08)

In one case, the judge allowed his frustration with the behavior of certain litigants to manifest itself in a lack of patience, dignity and courtesy. The judge further failed to allow the parties an opportunity to be heard regarding the terms of an attorney's employment contract, despite objections that the judge may have received the contract and a motion to award the attorney a disputed amount of interest in real property in an improper ex parte manner. In a separate matter, the judge criticized an attorney and her paralegal at a social function and informed that attorney's client that he intended to find the attorney in contempt of court at an upcoming hearing. The judge further failed to notify the attorney that the upcoming hearing would involve contempt charges. [Violation of Canons 3B(4) and 3B(8) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.] Private Warning of a District Court Judge. (03/06/08)