Missouri Revised Statutes Title VI. County, Township and Political Subdivision Government § 56.670. Certain counties may contract with a private attorney to furnish nonprosecutorial legal service

1. The county commission of any county of the first classification without a charter form of government or any county of the second classification which contains part of a city with a population greater than three hundred fifty thousand may, in lieu of or in addition to appointing a county counselor pursuant to section 56.631, contract with a private attorney for the provision of nonprosecutorial legal services for such county.

2. The method of payment of any attorney hired by a county commission pursuant to this section shall be governed solely by the provisions of the contract providing for such legal services.

3. Any attorney with whom a county commission contracts pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be considered an independent contractor and shall not be considered an employee or an officer of such county.