Reading Room Document

Service of Assistant Section Chief as Reporter on American Law Institute Project

The document discusses whether an Assistant Chief of a Department of Justice Division, Mr. A, can serve as a reporter for an American Law Institute (ALI) project related to peer review standards. The conclusion reached is that Mr. A's proposed service as a reporter does not require the approval of the Deputy Attorney General, as it more closely resembles teaching than the practice of law. However, it is recommended that any incidental activities related to the project during regular office hours be limited and that any leave required for the ALI work be taken as annual leave or compensatory time. The document also addresses the reimbursement of expenses for the project, suggesting that identifiable expenses should be borne by ALI or some other non-governmental source, and that limited secretarial services may be made available to Mr. A under the Department's particular interest in the project. The questions presented for review include whether Mr. A's proposed service as a reporter for the ALI project complies with the standards of conduct for Department of Justice employees, and how any incidental activities during regular office hours should be managed.

April 1, 1977