Opinion 93-87

September 14, 1993

Digest:         Provided that he or she can be impartial, a family court judge need not disclose his or her former position on the board of directors of a shelter for battered women when a representative from the shelter appears as an advocate in the judge's court, nor need the judge disclose his or her friendship with an attorney who practices in the judge's court.

Rule:            22 NYCRR 100.3(c).

Opinion:

         A newly-elected family court judge inquires whether the judge must disclose a former position held on the board of directors of a women's shelter, and whether the judge must disclose a friendship with an attorney who practices in the judge's court.

         The inquiring judge states that until 1988, the judge was on the board of directors of a shelter for battered women, which position terminated before the judge ascended to the bench.

         The inquiring judge also states that since 1976 the judge has maintained a friendship with an attorney whom the judge knew in law school. The judge further states that they have never practiced law together, nor ever had any type of business

relationship.

         It is the opinion of this Committee that the judge need not disclose either relationship, provided the judge feels that he or she can be impartial.