Opinion 24-140

September 12, 2024

Facts/Issue:    A judge asks if it is ethically permissible to serve on the board of GERMIN, a not-for-profit organization seeking “to become a key distinct institution of worldwide importance in Albanian Diaspora Engagement.”  In the materials provided, GERMIN indicates that it has “grown beyond” its original merely cultural and philanthropic purposes, and is now working in areas such as “political influence/representation.” 

Discussion:     Judges may not participate directly or indirectly in any political activity unless an exception applies.  Moreover, if an organization engages in some activities clearly permissible for judges as well as some potentially controversial lobbying, advocacy or litigation activities, the judge may only be a regular member and must not serve on the executive board or take other leadership positions within the organization.  Absent any information regarding the types of “political influence/representation” GERMIN will engage in, we cannot say they are unlikely to involve potentially controversial lobbying, advocacy, or litigation with which the judge should not be publicly associated as a board member.

Conclusion:     A full-time judge may not serve as a board member of GERMIN on the facts presented.

Authorities:  Opinions 24-132; 20-128; 20-71.