Rule 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator

Judges are not allowed to work as private arbitrators or mediators outside of their official court duties. In other words, a judge cannot take on a side job settling disputes between people or businesses on their own time, unless a specific law says they can.

This rule exists to keep judges focused on their court work and to avoid conflicts of interest. It also stops judges from using their title or position to attract private business as a dispute-resolver.

That said, this rule does not stop judges from handling mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks when that work is actually part of their job on the bench. If a judge is assigned to help settle a case as part of their court duties, that is still allowed.