Page 382 - 2024 Orientation Manual

 The Employees involved must behave in a professional manner in the workplace and at
work-related functions and events;

 The relationship must not affect an Employee’s work; and

 The Employees involved must not engage in workplace behavior that may offend other
Employees.

The Employees involved in a relationship covered by this Fraternization policy must not have a
conflict-of-interest. All policies on workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation, employment
of relatives and fraternization are designed to ensure professional workplace behavior.

1.12 EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES

It is recognized that Employees may wish to assist relatives in seeking employment with the LSBA.
Employment of relatives is acceptable, so long as it does not result in a conflict of interest. Each
Employee is required to inform his or her supervisor when a potential conflict of interest arises.

For the purposes of this policy, the term “relative” includes spouse, mother, father, mother-in-law,
father-in-law, son or daughter (adoptive, step or blood), brother or sister (by marriage, adoption or
blood), aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchildren, first cousin, in-laws, or “significant
other” in which an “affectionate/romantic” relationship is involved.

1.13WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION

In an effort to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics, the Louisiana State Bar
Association will investigate any suspected fraudulent, dishonest use or misuse of the LSBA’s resources
or property by Employees, Board of Governors members, consultants or volunteers.

Employees, Board of Governors members, consultants and volunteers are encouraged to report
suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct (i.e., to act as “whistleblower”), pursuant to the procedures
set forth below.

Definitions

 Baseless Allegations – Allegations made with reckless disregard for the truth. Individuals
making such allegations may be subject to disciplinary action by the LSBA, and/or legal claims
by individuals accused of such conduct.

 Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct – A deliberate act or failure to act with the intention of
obtaining an unauthorized benefit. Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:

 Forgery or alteration of documents;
 Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of computer files;
 Fraudulent financial reporting;
 Pursuit of a benefit or advantage that creates a conflict of interest;

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