Could an out-of-state lawyer maintain a Missouri office solely for immigration representation without Missouri admission?

Plain-English summary

A lawyer licensed outside Missouri asked whether an in-state office for immigration-only advice and representation was permitted.

The opinion said the lawyer could not maintain that Missouri office without becoming licensed in Missouri.

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 1998, before Missouri’s 2007 revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Later amendments or opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it. The official Rule 4-1.9 and 4-1.10 reference notes identify July 1, 2007 amendments.

Common questions

Q: Did the immigration-only scope create an exception in the answer?

A: No. The opinion required Missouri licensure.

Q: What physical practice fact was presented?

A: Maintaining an office in Missouri.

Background and rules framework

The published answer did not cite a numbered professional-conduct rule.

See also

• Missouri Informal Op. 20000013: DESE Appearance

Source

• Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/980062/

• Rule revision reference: Missouri Informal Opinion 20030007

Original opinion text

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

Reference Note: Rule 4–1.15 was amended, effective July 1, 2013. This opinion is based on the rule in effect prior to that date. Please see the July 1, 2013 version of Rule 4–1.15.

QUESTION: Does Attorney, who is not licensed in Missouri, commit the unauthorized practice of law in Missouri when Attorney maintains an office and represents and advises clients in Missouri solely in the area of immigration law?
ANSWER: Attorney may not maintain an office in Missouri for the purpose of representing and advising clients solely on immigration law. In order for Attorney to do so, it would be necessary for Attorney to become licensed in Missouri.