Ezel / Ethics Opinions / JUDICIAL-IL

Could an Illinois judge serve on a nonprofit board promoting Drug Court education and operations?

Short answer Yes, on the stated facts. The Committee found the group’s judicial-system purpose compatible with former Rules 64C, 65B, and 62A, subject to limits on impartiality, duties, fundraising, and litigation.
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JUDICIAL-IL
Issued
October 9, 2001

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 2001. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.

Disclaimer: Advisory only. Not binding precedent.
About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official ethics opinion. The original opinion (linked on this page) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

Plain-English summary

A judge helped form a nonprofit association of Drug Court professionals, including lawyers, counselors, educators, law enforcement, and probation staff. It planned education, conferences, and support for Drug Court legislation.

The Committee concluded that former Rules 64C and 65B permitted board service for a group improving the legal system, subject to limits on impartiality, judicial duties, fundraising, legal advising, economic or political advantage, and adversary litigation.

It found no indicated violation of those limits or former Rule 62A on public confidence under the stated facts.

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 2001 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code. Treat this page as historical context and verify the current Code before relying on its analysis.

Common questions

Q: Could the judge join the board?

A: Yes, under the stated facts and the former Rules 64C and 65B limitations.

Q: Could the judge personally solicit funds for the group?

A: The opinion identified personal fundraising and use of the judge’s name in solicitation as limits on board participation.

Background and rules framework

The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A, 64C, and 65B to a nonprofit devoted to Drug Court education and operation.

Citations and references

  • Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A, 64C, and 65B.

See also

Source

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