- Quickdraw McLaw
- 8 Comments
- 119 Views
Ah, election year! There’s nothing quite like it when it comes to filling your inbox with invites to “exclusive” fundraising events. There’s also nothing quite like it when it comes to creating ethical dilemmas for those of us uncomfortable with grabbing a drink, schmoozing with a judge, and then writing a check to get them reelected. Obviously, Nevada has decided that this is the process it wants and so we live with it, but how do you and your firm deal with it?
Do you attend these fundraising events? Does your firm sponsor these events? Do you contribute to campaigns? Which judges’ events do you make sure you attend? Do you attend the events of their opponents just in case? What do you do when one of your former colleagues decides to run for judge and then asks for your support? Do you worry about contributing and then later appearing before the judge who benefitted from your contribution?
For me, I don't contribute to campaigns. My conscience can sleep better at night. That said, I've heard tell of judges who keep campaign donation lists in their chambers…
I've had a judge call my office to remind us that the Plaintiff's counsel had given to his campaign and we should too.
Really? Jesus. That should make the paper.
Make the paper? You must be new to Vegas. This just sounds like typical behavior from our judiciary.
Not necessarily new to Vegas, could easily be a 1L with that type of pie-in-the-sky optimism.
I actually took his comment as sarcasm. Like it is unsurprising that judges will do anything to get a donation here in Vegas.
Not new to Vegas. I'm just a lowly paper pusher spending my life writing briefs that other people argue.
Actually it was true. . We were in settlement discussions with Plaintiffs counsel. We used the words "our client is kicking the tires on that settlement demand." 5 minutes later the judge called up and said "I heard you are 'kicking the tires …'" Then proceeded to let us know re the campaign contribution status