Mission
The Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics provides ethics advice to judges, justices and quasi-judicial officials of the NYS Unified Court System about their own conduct.
Our sole mission is to help judges comply with the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct.
Co-Chairs: | Hon. Debra L. Givens |
Chief Counsel: | Laura L. Smith, Esq. |
Next Meeting & Inquiry Status
Written inquiries received by May 1 will be heard on May 15, 2025. (If your inquiry is urgent or time-sensitive, please call to discuss.)
If your inquiry was on the agenda for March 27, you may call us at 866-795-8343 to learn the disposition.
A formal written opinion will follow in due course.
Contact Information
Telephone: 1-866-795-8343 (toll free)
E-Mail: [email protected] (see guidelines).
Mailing Address (see guidelines):
Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics
c/o Laura L. Smith, Chief Counsel
25 Beaver Street, room 829
New York, NY 10004
New or Notable
- May I speak publicly about the importance of judicial independence and the rule of law? May I advocate legislation eliminating the "death gamble" for judges? Op. 25-60 (Mar 2025)
- My kid is in the Girl Scouts, and it's cookie sale season. What can I do? Op. 24-197 (Feb 2025)
- A part-time judge may not permit their law firm to represent a Corrections Officers Benevolent Association in any county, even if limited to contract negotiations or labor relations matters. Op. 24-196 (Feb 2025) - overrules prior opinion.
- Can I reach out to a law school admissions office on behalf of a waitlisted applicant? Does it matter whether the communication is in writing or by telephone? Op. 25-06(A) (Feb 2025)
- Can I speak overseas about racial equity, at a foreign government's invitation? Op. 24-171 (Oct 2024)
- Can I write a foreword to an attorney's law book? Op. 24-173 (Dec 2024)
- Other Highlights (ongoing)
- Recently Released (ongoing)
Self-Help (Finding Opinions)
Our search page provides access to the search engine and other resources. Here are some additional alternatives:
- Subject Matter Index (2015 and later)
- Learning Corner (reference materials on selected topics, incl. VTL § 1174-a and Judiciary Law § 9)
- Searchable Opinion Digests (2009 and later)