Opinion 91-29

April 25, 1991

Digest:         A part-time judge should not serve as counsel to an organization of police juvenile officers.

Rules:          22 NYCRR §§100.2; 100.5(h).

Opinion:

         A part-time judge inquires whether the judge may serve as counsel to an association of police juvenile officers, on a pro bono basis. The association is formed for the purpose of educating and training police officers who work with juveniles.

         Part-time judges are permitted to accept public or private employment, “provided that such employment is not incompatible with judicial office”[22 NYCRR 100.5(h)]. Section 100.2 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator requires that judges avoid the appearance of impropriety. Here, serving as a counsel to an organization of police officers is not permissible, as there would be an appearance of partiality for any judge to act as counsel.