2009-32 (October 7, 2009)
Event, attendance/appearance; Awards & Honors; Fundraiser; Canon 5

Issue: May a Judicial Official be recognized by an advocacy organization as one of the 100 most influential community leaders in Connecticut?

Response: A Judicial Official has inquired about the propriety of being recognized by an advocacy organization as one of the 100 most influential community leaders in Connecticut. The recognition will take place during the organization’s annual convention. This Committee has previously expressed its opinion regarding participation in fundraising events. See JE 2009-09 (speaking at a legal aid breakfast); JE 2009-11 (award recipient at a nonprofit fundraising dinner); and JE 2009-14 (accepting award, in a representative capacity, at a fundraiser). Based upon the information provided, including the fact that the nonprofit organization acknowledges that the event is a fundraiser and that it engages in litigation, advocacy and political action, the Committee unanimously determined that it is impermissible under Canon 5 (b) for the Judicial Official to be honored at the fundraising event.