Rule 3.9 9: Service as Arbitrator or Mediator

Judges can't moonlight as an arbitrator or mediator outside of their normal court job. They also can't perform other judicial-type tasks separate from their official role. The only exception is if a law specifically allows it.

This rule exists to keep judges focused on their actual court duties and to avoid confusion about when someone is acting as an official judge versus taking on some other side role. It also helps prevent conflicts of interest or situations where a judge might use their position in ways that go beyond what their job actually calls for. If a judge wants to serve in one of these outside roles, there needs to be clear legal permission for it first.