Mo. Rev. Stat. § 249.230

The board of trustees shall within thirty days after organizing, employ an attorney to act for the district and to advise such board. Such employment shall be evidenced by an agreement, in writing, which shall, as far as possible, 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 district and the board, and generally look after and attend to all matters of legal nature for said board and district. The attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the board and his compensation shall be fixed by the board not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars per month.