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                                         98 N.J.L.J. 823
                                        September 25, 1975

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court

OPINION 319

Advertising - Solicitation
Charity's Auction of Lawyer's Services

    Is it proper for an attorney to donate professional time, or a particular legal service, to a charitable organization to enable that charity to auction such services in a fundraising?
    Under DR 2-103, we believe that this arrangement puts the charity in the position of recommending that attorney and then being remunerated by him for the introduction. Where the donated time is nonlegal e.g., sidewalk sketch or photo at a street fair, there is no ethical concern.
    Accordingly, this Committee is of the opinion that it is improper for an attorney to donate legal services to a charity for fundraising by the auction of such services.

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