Opinion 02-79

September 12, 2002

Digest:         A judge may serve on a law school reunion and reception dinner committee, provided that the judge’s role does not involve fund-raising or otherwise interfere with the judge’s judicial duties.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.4(A)(3); 100.4 (C)(3)(b).

Opinion:

         A judge inquires whether the judge may join the reunion committee of the judge’s law school which is having its 30^th reunion. The judge’s name would appear on the invitation to members of his/her class. The judge has been advised that the ticket price for the event will cover expenses only and there is no fund-raising aspect to the reunion celebration.

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct provide that a judge may participate in civic, charitable and educational activities that do not involve the judge in fund-raising.100.4(A); 100.4(C)(3)(b). Further, participation must be in a manner which does not reflect adversely on the performance of judicial duties. 22 NYCRR 100.4(A)(3).

         Based on the facts presented, it appears that the judge’s participation does not involve fund-raising or would interfere with his/her performance of judicial duties. Accordingly, the judge may serve on the committee.