COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Ethics Commission has approved a formal advisory opinion clarifying how public officials and employees may solicit and accept contributions to legal defense funds in civil cases, a move that sets statewide ethical boundaries on fundraising tied to legal expenses.
A legal defense fund is typically a pool of donated money used to cover attorney fees and court costs for an individual facing legal action, including lawsuits related to their official role.
The opinion, approved at the commission’s Jan. 22 meeting and issued as Formal Advisory Opinion 2026-01, states that Ohio Ethics Law does not categorically prohibit legal defense fund contributions but imposes strict limits on potential donors.
Under the guidance, a public official or employee may not solicit or accept contributions from any person or entity doing business with, seeking to do business with, or regulated by the public agency the official or employee serves, according to the commission’s release.
“These restrictions are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and preserve public confidence in government decision-making,” Executive Director Paul Nick said in the release. “Even in the context of a legal defense fund, public officials must avoid situations where contributors could appear to be seeking influence or favorable treatment.”
The opinion also states that third parties are subject to the same restrictions and may not solicit contributions to a public official’s legal defense fund from prohibited sources.
The guidance is significant because it addresses how financial support tied to legal matters intersects with public ethics laws, particularly in situations where donors could have business before a government agency. The commission said officials may use their official title when soliciting funds, but may not suggest agency endorsement or use official seals, letterhead, or insignia in connection with fundraising efforts.