Opinion 24-71

May 9, 2024

Facts/Issue:    A part-time judge asks if he/she may reach out to state legislators to request funding for the judge’s alma mater, a publicly funded university.

Discussion:     Judges may neither lend the prestige of judicial office to advance private interests (22 NYCRR 100.2[C]), nor personally participate in fund-raising (22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][b][i]).  This prohibition encompasses lobbying legislators to increase funding for a public university.

Conclusion:     A judge may not contact state legislators regarding funding for the judge’s alma mater.

Authorities:    Opinions 15-120; 10-33.