Monika Kozak

June 23, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A judge may not initiate a drive to collect toys or dental hygiene products on behalf of non-profit, charitable organizations within a courtroom or courthouse, and may not partner with bar associations to initiate such drives. A judge may solicit charitable donations of toys or dental supplies from other judges over whom he/she does not have any supervisory or appellate authority.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

6 minute read

June 06, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A town justice may commence an action against the town regarding a personal matter unrelated to the business of the court.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

4 minute read

June 05, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A part-time judge may chair a county veterans agency's advisory committee, which meets a few times per year to select veterans to honor at agency-sponsored ceremonies that are free and open to the public.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

2 minute read

June 04, 2024 | New York Law Journal

(1)(a) We cannot provide blanket guidance about attending various public events that invite participants to "stand with Israel," as the answer requires fact-specific determinations. (b) A judicial candidate within their window period may contact the Judicial Campaign Ethics Center concerning the propriety of attendance.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

10 minute read

June 03, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A treatment court may accept a donation of toiletries from a local bar association to be given to court participants by treatment court staff.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

4 minute read

June 02, 2024 | New York Law Journal

The facts presented do not require the inquiring judge to disclose or disqualify in other matters beyond what the judge already plans to do.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

2 minute read

May 30, 2024 | New York Law Journal

(1) Subject to certain limitations, a part-time lawyer judge may serve as an assistant county attorney in the General Legal Services division, providing legal advice and services to the county clerk, to the board of elections, and on insurance matters, public health matters, purchasing, and real estate transactions.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

11 minute read

May 29, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Because generating and maintaining an extensive library of educational videos on conflict resolution on a judge's personal social media account(s) will readily be perceived as a campaign of self-promotion, it is only ethically permissible during the judge's window period.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

6 minute read

May 28, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A judge may consult with another judge on a matter over which the other judge has appellate jurisdiction without violating the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct, but the practice is ill-advised.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

6 minute read

May 27, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A judge may congratulate successful youth part participants with a handwritten note, but may not include the note in a gift bag of commercially branded promotional items.

By Committee on Judicial Ethics

4 minute read