Opinion 25-04(A)

February 6, 2025

Facts/Issue:    A full-time judge asks if he/she may serve on the board of directors for the alumni association of a particular school or institute within a university.

Discussion:      A judge may serve on the board of a not-for-profit educational organization, subject to generally applicable limitations on judicial speech and conduct.  For example, a full-time judge may not so serve if the organization is likely either to “be engaged in proceedings that ordinarily would come before the judge” or to “be engaged regularly in adversary proceedings in any court” (22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][a]).  Nor may the judge personally solicit funds or permit the organization to use the prestige of judicial office for fund-raising or membership solicitation (see 22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][b][i], [iv]). 

Conclusion:     A full-time judge may serve on the board of directors for a university alumni association, subject to generally applicable limitations.

Authorities:     Opinions 13-107; 97-11; 95-151.