State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

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.

Opinion 94-09

12/05/1994