Opinion 11-32

                                                    May 5, 2011

Dear Judge:

         This responds to your inquiry (11-32) asking whether it is ethically permissible to serve as president or, alternatively, administrative co-chair of a bar association’s foundation. The foundation’s purpose is to, inter alia, award scholarships to female law students in order to advance the status of women in the legal profession.

         This Committee has previously determined that it is ethically permissible to participate in a bar association’s group which awards grants for law-related purposes. However, you may not personally participate in the solicitation of funds or other fund-raising activities (see 22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][b][i] and [iv]).

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 97-14 and 95-54 which address this issue.

Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Encls.