In any case in which the judge desires the appointment of private counsel, the judge shall so notify the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator, under the direction of the Supreme Court, may authorize the judge to employ private counsel under the following circumstances:

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(1) When the judge is a defendant in an action, suit or proceeding and there is no other party directly interested in the outcome of the action, suit or proceeding who should fairly bear the cost of representation;

(2) When the judge is a defendant in an action, suit or proceeding and the State Court Administrator concludes that no party interested in the outcome of the action, suit or proceeding will provide adequate representation for the judge; or

(3) In any action, suit or proceeding, when the State Court Administrator finds that employing private counsel is necessary to protect the public interest, the integrity of the judicial system, or the interests of the judge in performing duties as a state officer. [1977 c.79 § 3; 2007 c.71 § 2]