Opinion 09-185

                                                 November 10, 2009

Hon.

Dear Judge:

         This responds to your inquiry (09-185) asking whether you may participate in a panel discussion involving women in the judiciary as part of a fund-raising program for a legal advocacy fund.

         The Rules Governing Judicial Conduct prohibit a judge from lending the prestige of judicial office to advance the private interests of others (see 22 NYCRR 100.2[C]). Therefore, while a judge may attend a fund-raising event, a judge may not be a speaker or guest of honor at such an event (see 22 NYCRR 100.4[C][3][b][ii]). Accordingly, you may not participate in the panel discussion.

Very truly yours,

                                                 George D. Marlow

Justice of the Supreme Court (Ret.)

Committee Chair