Opinion 95-122

September 21, 1995

Digest:         A judge may serve on the Advisory Board of a not-for-profit corporation which promotes certain activities in the public schools.

Rule:            22 NYCRR 100.5 (b)

Opinion:

         A Family Court judge in New York City has been asked to serve on the Advisory Board of a new not-for-profit corporation which promotes a Principal for a Day program and coordinates volunteers efforts in the public schools. The judge's name would not appear in any funding proposal letters or programs.

         Under section 100.5 (b), a judge may participate in civic activities that do not reflect adversely upon impartiality or interfere with the performance of judicial duties. Such participation may include serving as an officer, director, trustee or non-legal advisor of such an organization. Solicitation of funds on behalf of the organization is prohibited.

         Under the circumstances described, the Committee is of the view that serving on the Advisory Board of the organization described is ethically permissible.