Opinion 10-65

July 1, 2010

Hon.

Dear Judge:

         This responds to your inquiry (10-65) asking whether, at the invitation of a city administration for children’s services, you may accept a child advocacy award. Even though your duties are largely managerial, because you still have a small caseload where the entity bestowing the award appears as a party before you, it is not ethically permissible for you to accept the award, as it would compromise the appearance of your impartiality.

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 04-91; 00-92; and 99-150, which address this issue.

Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow

Appellate Division, First Dep’t (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Encls.