State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it permissible for a judicial officer to participate in a CLE program put on by a private profit-making corporation?

If so, is it permissible to accept a reasonable amount of compensation?

Answer

It is permissible under CJC Canon 4(A) for a judicial officer to participate in a CLE program put on by a private profit-making entity if in so doing no doubt is cast on the judicial officer's capacity to rule impartially. The judicial officer should review all promotional materials for the program prior to dissemination to assure that the judicial officer's position is not being exploited in violation of CJC Canon 2(B).

It is permissible under CJC Canon 6(A) for a judicial officer to accept reasonable compensation for participation if it is the same compensation received by a participant who is not a judicial officer.

Opinion 91-11

06/10/1991