Informal Opinion Number: 20020064

QUESTION: Attorney was appointed to represent a client in a federal matter. Under the terms of that agreement, Attorney’s representation lasted until the deadline for filing a notice of appeal. That deadline has passed. The client contacted Attorney and asked Attorney not to appeal the matter, but to file a motion for a reduction of sentence as private counsel. May Attorney do so?
ANSWER: Based upon the information Attorney has provided, Attorney may enter into a contract to represent the client as private counsel.

Informal Opinions are ethics advisory opinions issued by the Office of Legal Ethics Counsel to members of the Bar about Rule 4 (Rules of Professional Conduct), Rule 5 (Complaints and Proceedings Thereon), and Rule 6 (Fees to Practice Law) pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30(c). Written summaries of select Informal Opinions are published for informational purposes as determined by the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri pursuant to Rule 5.30(c). Informal opinion summaries are advisory in nature and are not binding. These opinions are published as an educational service and do not constitute legal advice.

To request an Informal Opinion, please visit: http://mo-legal-ethics.org/for lawyers/requesting-an-informal-advisory-opinion/.

© Copyright 2025