Could a city's contract lawyer support a current council member's campaign and keep representing the city?

Plain-English summary

A contract attorney for a city was asked by a current council member, who planned to run for office, for campaign support.

The opinion said involvement in that member's campaign would create a conflict of interest requiring the lawyer to withdraw from representing the city.

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: Was campaign involvement consistent with continuing as city counsel?

A: No. The opinion required withdrawal from city representation if the lawyer became involved.

Q: Who requested support?

A: A current city council member planning to run for office.

Background and rules framework

The opinion addressed a city contract lawyer's proposed involvement in a council member's election campaign and resulting conflict. It cited no numbered rule.

See also

• Missouri Informal Op. 970204: City counsel and individual officials
• Missouri Informal Op. 940129: City counsel and ordinance defense

Source

• Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/930141/

Original opinion text

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

QUESTION: Attorney is contract attorney for a city. A current city council member who will be running for office has requested Attorney´s support. Would this be a conflict? ANSWER: Involvement in the political campaign of one council member would create a conflict of interest which would require Attorney to withdraw from representation of the city.