Opinion 93-20

January 20, 1993

Digest:         A newly-elected full-time judge may be the honoree of a dinner sponsored by a civic organization where any profits from sale of tickets will be transferred to the judge's election campaign committee, provided that such dinner takes place within the six-month period after the judge’s election.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.7(a)(1) and (2)(1)

Opinion:

         A newly-elected full-time City Court judge inquires whether a judge may be the honoree of a dinner sponsored by a local civic club which supported the judge's election, and whether any profit from the sale of tickets to the dinner may be transferred to the judge's election campaign committee to defray an existing debt. The judge was elected on November 3, 1992.

         Section 100.7(a)(1) permits a judge to attend a fundraising dinner within six months of the judge’s election, provided that the judge does not personally solicit funds at such dinner.

         Accordingly, the inquiring judge may be honored at a dinner sponsored by a local civic club, and any profit from ticket sales may be transferred to the judge’s election campaign committee, provided that such dinner is held prior to May 3, 1993.