Digest: A judge may serve on an advisory board of a not-for-profit civic organization engaged in the study, research and recommendation of solutions to urban problems, subject to the provisions of the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct relating to extra-judicial activities.
 

Rule:  22 NYCRR 100.4; 100.4(A)(3);
           100.4(C)(1), (3); 100.5(A);
           Opinions 99-154, 99-109, 99-94.
 
 

Opinion:

            A judge inquires as to the appropriateness of serving on the Advisory Board of the National Center for the Urban Community. The judge advises that the organization is a not-for-profit "think-tank" seeking to engage certain universities and community organizations in a collaborative effort to study, research and recommend solutions to urban problems.

Extra-judicial activity of the nature contemplated is permitted under section 100.4 of the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct. The scope of such activity must, of course, comply with the Rules. The limitations specified include, for example, prohibitions on fund-raising and solicitation, political advocacy, and all other conduct that might be deemed incompatible with judicial office. 22 NYCRR 100.4; 100.4(A)(3); 100.4(C)(1), (3); 100.5(1). Opinions 99-154, 99-109, 99-94.