Ezel / Ethics Opinions / JUDICIAL-IL

Could an Illinois judge preside over a cancer charity and speak at its fundraiser?

Short answer The Committee allowed the presidency and name on nonfundraising stationery, but barred solicitation and the proposed financial report followed by a donation appeal at a fundraising event.
Bar
JUDICIAL-IL
Issued
July 9, 1997

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 1997. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.

Disclaimer: Advisory only. Not binding precedent.
About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official ethics opinion. The original opinion (linked on this page) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

Plain-English summary

A cancer society invited a judge to become president. The judge’s name would appear on stationery, and the judge might explain the charity’s finances before another member asked for donations.

The Committee allowed the presidency under former Rule 65B and permitted name and title on stationery that was not used to solicit support.

It barred the judge from soliciting funds or joining a fundraising presentation. At an event where a financial report was followed by an appeal, the judge’s speech would function as part of the fundraiser and was prohibited under Rule 65B(2).

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 1997 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code. Treat this page as historical context and verify the current Code before relying on its analysis.

Common questions

Q: Could the judge be cancer society president?

A: Yes, on the stated facts.

Q: Could stationery list the judge?

A: Yes, if it was not used to solicit funds.

Q: Could the judge give the planned financial presentation at a fundraiser?

A: No. The Committee treated it as participation in fundraising.

Background and rules framework

The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 65B and 65B(2), citing IJEC Opinions 93-5, 94-9, 96-3, and 96-4.

Citations and references

  • Illinois Supreme Court Rules 65B and 65B(2).
  • IJEC Opinions 93-5, 94-9, 96-3, and 96-4.

See also

Source

What do the rules say today, for your facts?

This opinion is from 1997. Ezel checks the current rules of professional conduct in your state against your situation and cites the rules it relies on.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace