Opinion 22-30

March 31, 2022

Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (22-30) asking if, as a full-time judge, you may serve as a member of the nominating committee of a bar association.

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct provide that subject to specified limitations, a judge may serve as an officer or director of certain non-profit organizations (22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3]; see Opinion 15-229). Such positions may include serving on a bar association committee that nominates association members for various professional and community awards (see Opinion 13-20; see e.g. Opinion 20-168 [a full-time judge may serve on a bar association’s internal nominating committee, to consider and recommend individuals who are seeking board and officer seats within the bar association]).

Therefore, you may serve on the internal nominating committee of a bar association (see id.).

         Enclosed for your convenience are Opinions 20-168; 15-229; 13-20 which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                        Margaret T. Walsh

                                       Supreme Court Justice

                                       Committee Co-Chair

                                       Lillian Wan

                                       Supreme Court Justice

                                       Committee Co-Chair

Encls.