EAO 533

Free legal services provided by an attorney to a judge to defend a lawsuit arising from the judge’s activities as a candidate are a campaign contribution subject to the restrictions under title 15 of the Election Code and section 36.08 of the Penal Code. Legal services provided to a judge by an attorney on a contingent fee basis would not be a political contribution or a prohibited benefit to the judge if the services are provided pursuant to a binding contract described in this opinion.