The Presumption of Innocence Podcast: Episode 61 - A Call to Service: From Public Duty to Spiritual Advocacy
Lifting the Fog Over Lobbying Compliance - updated with impact of COVID-19 on NYS lobbying community
[WEBINAR] "Walking the Line" - Public Agencies', Officials' and Employees' Roles in Local Elections
[WEBINAR] Who Does What? Defining Proper Roles for Staff and Elected Officials
Bribery & Corruption in the Military. A Front-Line View (Part II)
Ethics Laws and the Importance of Transparency for Public Officials
Blogging for Lawyers
In Advisory Opinion 2025-01, the Ohio Ethics Commission (OEC) clarified when a public official or employee’s domestic partner crosses over to “family” for purposes of Ohio’s Ethics laws....more
The Ohio Ethics Commission recently issued Advisory Opinion No. 2025-01, clarifying that domestic partners are now considered "family members" under Ohio's Ethics Law. This opinion marks a significant step in modernizing the...more
New York’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will retain its enforcement power the Court of Appeals has ruled, dealing a blow to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to strip the state ethics board of its power...more
Last Monday, the Justice Department directed federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York to dismiss the pending charges against Mayor Adams without prejudice and restore his security clearance. Mayor Adams...more
In a 4-3 decision, the New York State Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of New York State’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG). The commission’s constitutionality had been challenged by...more
In Guydish v. Crestwood School District, AP 2019-0643, the requester sought copies of the statements of financial interests filed by the school district’s current school board members pursuant to the Public Official and...more
On Election Day in 2018, voters in three states approved amendments to rules involving a variety of ethics reforms involving lobbying, contributions and gifts....more
Most public officials, especially those at the local level, hold private employment, own businesses and have family in the community. This can make avoiding conflicts of interest a challenge when asked to vote on an ordinance...more
Once, when I had put a lot of time and attention into arranging the particulars of social engagement, an old acquaintance called me a “detallista.” At the time, I think she may have meant it more as a slight than a...more
Matthew "Mal" Richardson, who serves as city attorney of Stanton and assistant city attorney of Lake Forest, talks about the Brown Act, ethics training for public officials and other important laws and regulations that ensure...more