Welcome

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
Hon. Lillian Wan

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)

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