Opinion 07-56

July 6, 2007

         This responds to your inquiry (07-56) asking whether you may continue to participate in several community organizations that we assume are not-for-profits.

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct, allow a part-time judge to be a member or serve as an officer, director, trustee or non-legal advisor of, inter alia, cultural, charitable or fraternal organizations not conducted for profit that are not likely to be engaged in proceedings that ordinarily would come before the judge. 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3)(a)(i). See also, 22 NYCRR 100.2(D). A judge also may assist such an organization in planning fund-raising and may participate in the management and investment of the organization’s funds, but the judge may not personally participate in the solicitation of funds or other fund-raising activities. 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3)(b)(i).

         Should you have specific questions about any particular organization’s activities or the nature of your participation in any particular organization, please feel free to contact us again.