The Office of Government Ethics defines "appearance or communication" as anytime you "impart or transmit information of any kind, including facts, opinions, ideas, questions or directions, to an employee of the United States, whether orally, in written correspondence, by electronic media or by any other means." An appearance is also defined as being physically present before an employee of the United States, in either a formal or informal setting.

An appearance doesn't even have to include any communication. So, even if you simply attend a meeting and remain silent, that would be considered an "appearance." However, if you are addressing a large audience and there just happens to be a few Federal employees present, that would NOT be considered an "appearance."

(Note to attorneys: For representational purposes, the fact that you are in a law firm means that you are NOT representing yourself, but rather your law firm or firm's clients. Therefore, the statute may apply to you.)

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