ISBA Ethics Opinions on Lawyer Holding Public Office

Opinion 94-20 | Imputed Disqualification | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer representing client against municipality which employs lawyer’s partner as police officer

Partner of lawyer who is also a municipal police officer should not represent a client in a claim against the municipality.
Opinion 91-09 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer serving in volunteer advisory position to local government

Lawyer who serves as volunteer, unpaid village commissioner does not hold "public office" within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Opinion 91-04 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer holding office as county board member defending clients in criminal proceedings in same county

It is improper for a member of a county board to represent criminal defendants being prosecuted by the state's attorney of that county.
Opinion 90-17 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer city council member and law firm representing clients before city council

Lawyer who is a city council member and the lawyer's firm generally should not represent clients before city council, even if lawyer abstains from participation in matters handled by the firm.
Opinion 88-06 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer member of school board representing client adverse to school board

A lawyer who is elected member of school board may not accept private employment to oppose an annexation supported by school board.
Opinion 84-03 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Lawyer county board member representing the State in condemnation proceedings with county
Opinion 803 | Lawyer Holding Public Office
Law firm representing regional planning commission on which firm member sits
Opinion 817 | Lawyer Holding Public Office | Of Counsel Designation
Lawyer legislator as Of Counsel

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.

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