Opinion 17-51

July 10, 2017

Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (17-51) asking whether, as a full-time judge, you may serve on the board of the not-for-profit religious community center that runs the school your children attend.

The Committee has previously advised that, subject to certain limitations, a judge may serve as an officer, director, trustee or non-legal advisor of a not-for-profit entity. In particular, it is ethically permissible for a judge to serve on the board of a private not-for-profit school provided he/she does not give legal advice to the organization or personally participate in the solicitation of funds.

Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 16-98; 15-201; and 03-129 which address this issue.

                             Very truly yours,

                             George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

                              Appellate Div., First Dep’t (Ret.)

                             Committee Co-Chair

                             Hon. Margaret T. Walsh

                             Family Court Judge

                             Acting Justice, Supreme Court

                             Committee Co-Chair

Encls.