Opinion 16-69

May 17, 2016

 Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (16-69) asking whether you may serve as master of ceremonies for a not-for-profit community organization’s event honoring local religious leaders and a local executive branch official, where “all the proceeds will benefit the youth program.”

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct prohibit a judge from being a speaker at a not-for-profit organization’s fund-raising event, subject to certain exceptions not applicable here (see 22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][b][ii]). Therefore, while you may attend the event, you may not act as master of ceremonies.

          Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 09-28 and 93-24 which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

                                       Appellate Division, First Dep’t (Ret.)

                                       Committee Chair

Encls.