(A) Judges possess special expertise in matters of law, the legal system, and the administration of justice and may properly share that expertise with governmental bodies and executive or legislative branch officials.

(B) A judge also may consult with governmental bodies and executive or legislative branch officials when the judge is self-represented in a matter involving the judge or the judge's legal or economic interests.

(C) In all other respects, a judge shall not appear voluntarily at a public hearing before, or otherwise consult with, an executive or a legislative body or official.

In appearing before governmental bodies, judges must be mindful that they remain subject to other provisions of this code, such as Rule 2-1.3, prohibiting judges from using the prestige of office to advance their own or others’ interests, Rule 2-2.10, governing public comment on pending and impending matters, and Rule 2-3.1(C), prohibiting judges from engaging in extrajudicial activities that would demean the judicial office or cast reasonable doubt on the judge’s capacity to act impartially as a judge.

In engaging in such activities judges also must not refer to their judicial positions and must otherwise exercise caution to avoid using the prestige of judicial office.