Recusal Granted With Regrets

A Delaware Master in Chancery has granted a motion to recuse her in light of the “appearance of impropriety”caused by her former association with a law firm involved in the case.

The mere involvement of [the law firm] Potter Anderson as counsel in a proceeding before me indisputably would not create the appearance of impartiality. Here, however, Mr. Greenspan seeks to amend the pleadings to add the firm and three of its attorneys as defendants and impose personal liability on them. I am confident that – as a subjective matter – I could hear this action free from bias or prejudice, even if Potter Anderson or various of its attorneys are added as defendants. I worked for the firm for approximately seven years, left on amicable terms, was not a partner, and do not have any continuing financial interest in the firm or any exposure to liability the firm may incur. Nonetheless, I have concluded that – under these circumstances – there would be an appearance of bias in presiding over a matter that could result in a finding of liability for my former firm or several attorneys with whom I closely worked while employed there.

I am aware– and deeply regret –that recusing myself from this case will impose additional work on one of my colleagues. The decision is not one I relish or make lightly. The importance, however, of maintaining both the fact and appearance of an unbiased judiciary must, in my view, take precedence. While Potter Anderson or its attorneys are – or may be – defendants, I believe there is a sufficient basis for Mr. Greenspan to question my impartiality.

When I was recused from an assigned matter at the Office of Bar Counsel, I took a comparable case from the colleague who replaced me. That cures any regrets. (Mike Frisch)