Could a law student work on prosecution cases and also work for a private criminal defense firm if screened?

Plain-English summary

A law student worked part time on cases for a prosecuting attorney's office under an assistant prosecutor. The question asked whether the student could also work for a private firm handling criminal cases.

The opinion answered no and also rejected screening as a solution. It gave no additional explanation or numbered rule.

Currency note

This 1993 opinion predates Missouri's 2007 amendments to its Rules of Professional Conduct. An official reference note identifies July 1, 2007 amendments to Rules 4-1.9 and 4-1.10. Subsequent rule amendments or later opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it.

Common questions

Q: Could the student also work for the defense firm?

A: No, according to the opinion.

Q: Would screening solve the problem?

A: No. The opinion expressly rejected that proposal.

Background and rules framework

The opinion addressed a law student's simultaneous work on prosecution cases and at a private criminal defense firm. It cited no numbered rule.

See also

• Missouri Informal Op. 930107: Student prosecution and defense work
• Missouri Informal Op. 990105: Certified law student practice

Source

• Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/930092/

Original opinion text

Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.

QUESTION: (1) May a law student who works part time on cases for the prosecuting attorney´s office under an assistant prosecuting attorney also work for a private law firm which handles criminal cases? (2) Would screening be a solution? ANSWER: The answer to both questions is no.