Opinion 26-83

May 7, 2026

Facts/Issue:    May a part-time judge be employed as the Executive Director of a bar association?  The judge will not personally solicit funds or engage in lobbying or other prohibited political activity. 

Discussion:      The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct expressly permit a part-time judge to practice law and to accept private employment that is compatible with judicial office and does not conflict or interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties.

                       We have said a part-time judge may be employed as Deputy Executive Director and Director of Advocacy of an organization that “strives to improve the administration and quality of justice,” subject to generally applicable limitations on judicial speech and conduct.  Similarly, a part-time judge may be employed as the Executive Director of a national not-for-profit organization to educate students about the law.  We see nothing in the present inquiry to warrant a different result.

Conclusion:      A part-time judge may be employed as Executive Director of a bar association.

Authorities:     Opinions 09-131; 12-22; cf. Opinion 23-62/23-63/23-111.