Opinion 91-155

December 5, 1991

Digest:         A judge may attend a Women's Bar Association function and introduce speakers who are candidates for a legislative office, since the association is not a political organization and the judge would not be taking a political position.

Rules:          22 NYCRR § 100.7(e) and 100.5(b).

Opinion:

         A judge asks whether the judge may introduce speakers, who are candidates for a legislative office, at a Women's Bar Association function. The candidate speakers will address women's issues.

         Section 100.5(b)(2) of the Rules of the Chief Administrator permits judges to speak at bar association functions. While section 100.7(e) prohibits judges from engaging in partisan political activities, the judge may attend the meeting and introduce the candidates, as the Women's Bar Association is not a political organization and the judge would not be taking a political position.