Advisory Opinion: 1694

Year Issued: 1997

RPC(s): RPC 3.5(a)

Subject: Endorsement of judge and contribution to judge's campaign while lawyer has cases pending before judge

The Committee finds no Rule of Professional Conduct that forbids an attorney from contributing to a sitting judge's electoral campaign, or publicly endorsing the judge's reelection, at a time when the attorney has cases pending before the judge. However, in doing so, you should be aware of the prohibitions of RPC 3.5(a).

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.