Mo. Rev. Stat. § 245.160: Board to employ attorney.

The board of supervisors shall employ an attorney to act for the district and to advise said board. Such employment shall be evidenced by an agreement in writing, which, as far as possible, shall specify the exact amount to be paid to said attorney for all services and expenses. Such attorney shall conduct all legal proceedings and suits in court where the district is a party or interested, and shall in all legal matters advise the said board of supervisors, all officers, employees or agents of said district and board, and generally look after and attend to all matters of a legal nature for said board and district. When the said board may deem it necessary, they may, by and with the advice of said attorney, and under the like terms and conditions as above set forth, employ another attorney or attorneys.