Could a law firm office manager operate a separate support-staff placement business from the firm's office?
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This page answers the general question as of 1994. Ask about yours and see what the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
A law firm office manager proposed a separate business placing support staff in permanent positions, operating from the same space as the firm. Employers would pay a flat placement fee.
The opinion said the arrangement would not violate the rules. It called for protecting the firm's records and making signs and similar materials show the businesses were separate.
Currency note
This 1994 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 sharing space prohibited?
A: No. The opinion found no violation in the proposed arrangement.
Q: What did the opinion say about records?
A: Care should be taken to keep law firm records confidential.
Q: How should the businesses be identified?
A: Signs and similar materials should reflect their separateness.
Background and rules framework
The opinion addressed confidentiality and visible separation of two businesses sharing law firm space. It cited no numbered rule.
See also
- Missouri Informal Op. 970035: Nonlawyer office sharing and files
- Missouri Informal Op. 960219: Office sharing and staff confidentiality
Source
- Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/940010/
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
QUESTION: Office manager of a law firm wants to set up a separate business which would be run out of the same space as the law firm. The business would be a placement service for law firm support staff. The placement would be permanent (not a temporary service). The fee would be a flat fee paid by the employer. ANSWER: The proposed arrangement would not violate the rules. Care should be taken to ensure confidentiality of the law firm´s records. Steps should be taken to make sure that all signs, etc. reflect the separateness of the two businesses.
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