US Judge James Nowlin of Austin, TX; ethical gremlin  

The state of Texas presented James Robertson Nowlin with a law license in 1963 after he graduated from the University of Texas Law School.

President Reagan was duped into appointing Jimmy to the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas in 1981. Jimmy didn’t receive the appointment because he was the most qualified attorney in the greater Austin area. He received it because he had proven to be a reliable lackey for the local political hacks.

While a member of a three-judge panel hearing cases involving the reapportionment of the Texas State Legislature, Jimmy found it acceptable to consult with a state representative and enlist his assistance in drawing the court-ordered plan.

Of course Jimmy was well aware that his ex parte (one-sided) communications were prohibited; however, in his zeal to please his benefactors, Jimmy went ahead and violated his oath of office.

As a consequence of his misconduct, the Patron Saints for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Judicial Council punished Jimmy by gifting him with a complimentary admonishment.

As we speak (ca. April 2015), Jimmy continues to sit as a Senior Judge on the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas in Austin.