Judicial Ethics & Discipline

Steve Scheckman is the leading lawyer in Louisiana providing advice and counsel to judges concerning judicial ethics matters and the defense of judicial discipline complaints before the Judiciary Commission and the Louisiana Supreme Court. For almost 30 years he has been an active practitioner in the field of judicial ethics and discipline.

Steve Scheckman served as the first Special Counsel (Disciplinary Counsel) appointed and employed full-time by the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana (1994-2008) and then as the Deputy Administrator of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (2008-2009). Since 2010, Steve Scheckman has advised and counseled Louisiana judges in judicial ethics matters and provided a thorough and vigorous defense regarding judicial ethics complaints before the Judiciary Commission and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

For almost three decades, Steve Scheckman has litigated numerous cases involving allegations of judicial misconduct at the evidentiary hearing stage before the Judiciary Commission and in oral arguments before the Louisiana Supreme Court. His long and unique experience is unparalleled, having both prosecuted cases as the former Judiciary Commission’s Special Counsel and now serving as defense counsel. The cases he has handled established the precedential authority now relied upon by the Judiciary Commission and Supreme Court.

Judicial misconduct complaints should not be ignored or minimized and should be responded to promptly and thoroughly. Pursuant to a 2021 amendment of the Louisiana Supreme Court Rules, if the Judiciary Commission files charges (a “notice of hearing”) proceedings before the Judiciary Commission and its hearing officers are now open to the public.

Steve Scheckman’s knowledge of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, judicial discipline case law and procedure provides his clients with a unique perspective into the judicial discipline process. Steve Scheckman stands ready to provide judges with advice, counsel and a thorough and vigorous defense regarding judicial misconduct complaints.