Opinion 15-76

May 26, 2015

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Dear:

         This responds to your inquiry (15-76) asking whether you may participate in a bar association CLE program entitled “Social Media Ethics Guidelines for Attorneys.” Your fellow panelists are law partners from various law firms.

         The Committee has previously determined that a full-time judge may participate as a speaker or panelist in legal education programs co-sponsored by bar associations, subject to certain limitations. For example, a judge may not publicly comment on any pending or impending proceeding (see 22 NYCRR 100.3[B][8]).

         Enclosed, for your convenience, is Opinion 04-15 which addresses this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Enc.