Rule 4.7 Service as an Arbitrator or Mediator

Judges are not allowed to work as a paid arbitrator or mediator on the side. This means a judge cannot take on extra cases outside the courtroom to settle disputes or handle other judge-like tasks in exchange for money or anything else of value.

The only exception is if a law or another rule specifically gives the judge permission to do this kind of work. Without that clear permission, a judge must stick to their official court duties and not use their position to earn extra pay or benefits through outside dispute resolution work.

This rule exists to keep judges focused on their court responsibilities and to prevent any appearance that a judge might be trading their authority or reputation for personal gain outside the job they were appointed or elected to do.