Institute for Ethics in Government

Chris Swartz, Senior Associate Counsel, U.S. Office of Government Ethics; Marjie Levine, Assistant Counsel, U.S. Office of Government Ethics; Jenna Mazella, Assistant Counsel, U.S. Office of Government Ethics

Subject matter experts from OGE’s Ethics Law and Policy Branch will discuss two separate issues related to 18 U.S.C. 203 and 205. First, the panel will explain how the prohibitions at 18 U.S.C. 203 and 205 can impact pay arrangements for incoming and outgoing employees who work as attorneys, lobbyists, or otherwise represent others before the government. OGE’s expert staff will describe how to identify potentially problematic pay arrangements, why they are problematic under the conflict-of-interest laws, and what steps can be taken to avoid inadvertent violations. Second, the presenters will discuss OGE Legal Advisory LA-24-05, which provides guidance on the exception to 18 U.S.C. 203 and 205 that permits employees to act as a guardian, executor, trustee, administrator, or other personal fiduciary of a person or their estate.