HLV, LLC v. Page & Stewart

Paul L. Maloney, United States District Judge

Conversations between lawyers and judges within the confines of the judge's chambers are generally afforded the utmost confidentiality. But do participants to inappropriate ex parte communications maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy in their statements? How about when the negligence of one participant exposes the communication to opposing counsel via an open phone line? And what if the judge's office door remains open, within earshot of chambers staff and members of the public who call on the judge? These questions are now before the Court…