Judge Levy has also been invited to participate as a board member of a legal aid fund, the purpose of which is to seek sources of private funding for civil legal services to supplement diminishing public funding.

The judge’s participation would be limited to advising and consulting on matters of policy and strategy. The board has representatives from law firms, bar organizations and federally funded legal service providers.

Fundraising will include a private bar campaign, grants from corporations and foundations, direct mail campaigns and special events. The law fund gathers funds only and is not a direct provider of legal services.

May the judge serve on the board? If so, what are the restrictions? Why is the judge permitted to serve on a board which will be soliciting funds when that would not be permitted for a civic or charitable organization?