May a City employee accept a "gift" or "honorarium" in exchange for professional services, other than the services that they provide as a City employee, they provide to a third party?
Yes. Any payment that a City employee receives in exchange for independent professional services they provide is not a "gift" or "honorarium" even if it is so designated by the parties. As such, the employee may accept them as compensation for the independent services they provide. Notably, in these situations the City employee is still subject to other ethics rules (ex. Conflicts of Interest Restrictions, Representation Restriction, and rules regarding outside employment).
These advice tidbits are for reference only. They are not intended as legally protective guidance or binding interpretation of laws within the Board's jurisdiction. You can request individualized informal advice by contacting BOEGCStaff@phila.gov or clicking the Ask for Advice button on the Board's website.