Donation Restrictions - Lawyers

Alvin has listened very carefully to the public discourse about fundraising practices in District Attorney’s races. Many voices have been raised on this subject, including Columbia Law School’s Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity.

Although not required by law, Alvin asks that New York attorneys follow these self-imposed restrictions on giving to his campaign:

1. The maximum contribution from any active member of the New York State Bar is $3,850.

2. No campaign donations if you are a contract lobbyist registered in New York City or from corporations.

3. The following restrictions apply to your personal practice, not to your firm’s practice. If you personally have had no interaction with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, you need read no further.

Please do not donate to Alvin’s campaign if you represent a client in any case or matter presently pending with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office or represented a client in a case or matter resolved with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office within the past 4 years.

What does it mean to have a matter with the DA’s Office? When adopting the restriction, the primary instance Alvin had in mind was representation of a target or charged defendant. He would also include: (a) the representation of an entity or person whose conduct is the subject of an investigation or prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office (or one that has concluded within the last four years) or (b) the representation of a complainant whose allegations resulted in an investigation or prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office at any point during the last four years.

For questions and more information, please call or e-mail Richard Fife (917-617-4188; richie@rjfpr.com)