Approved by Board of Governors January 25, 2008
Purpose
The Illinois State Bar Association is a voluntary, professional 501(c) (6) organization whose employees, officers, directors, council, and committee members are chosen to serve the purposes to which it is dedicated.
These persons have a duty to conduct the affairs of the Association in a manner consistent with such purposes and not to advance their personal interests or financial enrichment.
These persons have a clear obligation and commitment to conduct all affairs of the organization in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, and within the standards set forth in this conflict of interest policy.
This conflict-of-interest policy is intended to permit the Association and its employees, officers, board, council, and committee members to identify, evaluate, and address any real, potential, or apparent conflicts of interest that might, in fact or appearance, call into question their duty of undivided loyalty to the Association.
This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to the Association.
Definition of Conflict
Employees, officers, directors, councils, and committee members of the Illinois State Bar Association (“Association”) shall have a conflict of interest, for the purposes of this Policy, and shall abstain from the discussion and voting on matters before the Association in the following situations:
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- When the person, or a member of the person’s immediate family or household, is on the board or staff of an organization that would be directly or materially affected by the decision of the Association on a particular matter;
- When the person, or a member of the person’s immediate family or household, personally would be directly or materially affected by the decision of the Association on a particular matter; or
- When the person otherwise determines in good faith that he or she would be unable to act impartially on the matter for any reason.
Duty to Disclose
In the event a person determines he or she has a conflict of interest on a particular matter, he or she shall disclose the conflict to the board, council, or committee in which the matter is being considered. After responding to any questions, he or she shall leave the room prior to the discussion and vote on the matter.
Documentation
The minutes of the Board and all councils or committees shall contain the names of the persons who disclosed that they have a conflict of interest.
Annual Statements
Annually, each employee and board member shall read and sign this policy and give it to the Executive Director of the Association. Annually, each council and committee member of the Association shall be provided a copy of the Association’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
Prohibition on Gifts
No person shall accept anything of value from another that is or may reasonably be expected to do business with the Association, including entertainment, tickets, meals or other items, unless
(i) such gift is of nominal value, (ii) the recipient is not expected to take or refrain from taking any action in connection with the receipt of the gift, or (iii) the gift is in keeping with good business ethics or refusing such gift would be contrary to the accepted norms under the circumstances.
Doing Business with the Association
No board, committee, or council member may provide goods or services to the Association as a paid vendor without full disclosure to, and advance approval by the full Board of Governors.