Also known as:action committee · action-committee · action-committees · PACs · political action committees
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A group formed to raise funds and support candidates for public office. Under rules of professional conduct a political action committee owned or controlled by a lawyer or law firm is included within the definition of lawyer or law firm for purposes of restrictions on contributions made to obtain government legal engagements or judicial appointments.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
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Law Firm PAC and Investigator Appointment
Wesley had long contributed modestly to Judge Nancy's campaigns. After rumors surfaced that she would appoint an investigator in a stadium financing dispute, Wesley formed a political action committee controlled by his firm and used it to solicit over fifty thousand dollars from clients. Two months later Judge Nancy appointed Wesley to the paid position without a competitive process. The circumstances indicate the contributions were made for the purpose of obtaining the appointment.
Attorney General Campaign Support
Green Precision had contributed to attorney general candidates for years. Shortly before the attorney general announced a search for outside counsel in an emissions enforcement matter within the firm's practice area, the firm maximized contributions through its political action committee. The firm then submitted a proposal for the engagement. The timing supports an inference that the contributions were made to secure consideration for the government legal work.
Put it into practice
Test Yourself
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Practice Questions4
· 1 primary source
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Model Codes
Study Supplements
Common questions
Frequently Asked
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When does a lawyer's political action committee activity violate Rule 7.6?+
A violation occurs when the lawyer or firm makes or solicits contributions through the committee for the purpose of obtaining a government legal engagement or judicial appointment. Purpose is determined by examining all circumstances, including timing and escalation relative to the opportunity.
Supporting sources
Does Rule 7.6 prohibit all political contributions by lawyers?+
No. Lawyers retain the right to participate in the political process. The rule prohibits only those contributions made for the specific purpose of obtaining government legal work or judicial appointments.
Supporting sources
How does the rule treat a political action committee controlled by a law firm?+
The rule expressly includes any political action committee or other entity owned or controlled by a lawyer or law firm within the definition of lawyer or law firm.
Supporting sources
Civil ProcedurePretrial procedures · Discovery (including e-discovery), disclosure, and sanctionsUBEFoundational