Opinion 15-229

February 16, 2016

Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (15-229) asking if you may serve as Vice President or President of your local bar association.

         Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3), a judge may serve as a member, officer, or director of an organization or government agency devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal system or the administration of justice. Accordingly, a judge may serve as a Vice President or President of a bar association. However, a judge who is a member or officer of a bar association may not personally participate in the solicitation of funds, memberships, or other fund-raising activities on behalf of the association and must refrain from engaging in any partisan political activity.

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 03-63; 00-15; and 96-49 which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

                                       Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

                                       Committee Chair

Encls.