Documentation of Legal Practice

PURPOSE: This rule prescribes procedures for documentation of legal practice for purposes of section 105.711, RSMo, as amended by Senate Bill No. 1247, 92nd General Assembly (2004). (1) A nonprofit community social services center through which any attorney practices law without compensation shall provide a copy of its federal tax exemption letter or other verification of tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to the Attorney General. (2) For each attorney who provides legal services without compensation at or through a nonprofit community social services center or through any agency of any federal, state, or local government, the center or agency shall annually during the month of June provide to the Attorney General: (A) The attorney’s name, address, and daytime telephone number; (B) The attorney’s Missouri Bar number or other evidence that the attorney is licensed to practice law in Missouri; (C) An estimate of the number of hours per year of legal services provided without compensation by the attorney through the center or agency; (D) A general description of the area of practice engaged in by the attorney. (3) An attorney practicing law at or through a nonprofit community social services center may maintain records documenting client representation or consultation at the center if, in the attorney’s professional judgement, the center has a physical location with record keeping capabilities adequate to preserve the records and to safeguard attorney client confidences. If the center does not have an adequate physical location, the attorney shall maintain such records at his or her place of business, home or other location appropriate for securing client records. (4) Documentation of coverage shall be maintained by the Attorney General. AUTHORITY: section 105.711.4, RSMo Supp. 2004.* Emergency rule filed Sept. 2, 2004, effective Sept. 12, 2004, expired March 10, 2005. Original rule filed Sept. 2, 2004, effective April 30, 2005. *Original authority: 105.711, RSMo 1983, amended 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2004.