Informal Opinion Number: 950084

QUESTION: A suspended attorney asks whether it is permissible to coach an individual on the evidence rules, when the individual is representing himself at a trial. ANSWER:In light of the fact that the individual whom Attorney would coach has a specific case for which Attorney would be preparing him, the conduct Attorney has proposed would constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

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: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/for lawyers/requesting-an-informal-advisory-opinion/.

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