Opinion 25-95

June 26, 2025

Facts/Issue:  A full-time judge asks if he/she may perform with a not-for-profit musical ensemble at an upcoming concert offered by a not-for-profit arts center.  The concert is not a gala, benefit, or other fund-raising event, and the ticket prices appear to be standard for such venues.  The judge’s only compensation will be free admission to the concert.

Discussion:   We have advised that a judge may perform in a not-for-profit community production and be compensated for such performance, so long as it is not a fund-raiser and there is no attempt to use judicial prestige to promote the organization or its productions. 

                   As for the proposed free admission, we have said a judge who is the guest speaker at a not-for-profit organization’s non-fund-raising dinner may accept a customary complimentary dinner as guest speaker. The present circumstance appears analogous.

Conclusion:  A judge may perform in a not-for-profit arts center’s non-fund-raising concert and accept compensation in the form of free admission to the concert.

Authorities:  Opinions 24-84; 10-57; 00-24; 98-155.