Informal Opinion Number: 960198

QUESTION: Legal services programs receive funding from the state of Missouri. Those funds will not be used to represent interests adverse to the state; other funds will be used for those matters. May attorneys employed by legal services represent clients against the state? ANSWER: The legal services programs may provide representation to clients against the state and its agencies despite the fact that it will be receiving financial support from the state. In representing any client who may have a claim against the state, Attorney should disclose that legal services receives funds from the state and obtain a waiver.

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/.

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