STATE OF WASHINGTON
ETHICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OPINION NO. 94-9



Question
     May a judicial officer serve as the chair of the legal aid pledge
drive committee?

     One of the responsibilities of the chair of the legal aid pledge drive
committee is to solicit funds from lawyers to fund the work of the legal
aid society.

Answer
     CJC Canon 4(C) provides that judges may serve as members, officers, or
directors of an organization devoted to the improvement of the law, the
legal system, or the administration of justice.  It continues, that they
may assist such an organization in raising funds and may participate in
their management and investment, but should not personally participate in
public fundraising activities.

     CJC Canon 4(C) prohibits a judicial officer from chairing the legal
aid pledge drive committee because it involves personal participation in
public fundraising activities.