Informal Opinion Number: 930091
Rules: 1.8(e)
Client-Lawyer Relationship
Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions
Reference Note: Rule 4 dash–1.8, Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions, was amended effective November 23, 2021. This informal opinion predates that amendment and should be read with Rule 4 dash–1.8(e)(3) and Comments [11], [12], and [13].
QUESTION: May a lawyer advance housing and living expenses to a client?
ANSWER: No, this conduct violates Rule 1.8(e).
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.
Request an Informal Opinion.
© Copyright 2026