Mo. Rev. Stat. § 33.560

Whenever it shall be necessary to protect the right or title of the state to any property so received or derived as aforesaid, or to collect or reduce into possession any such bonds, notes, bills, or chose in action or other property, the attorney general shall institute and prosecute necessary proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, and shall employ such counsel as he may deem necessary to assist in the institution and prosecution of such proceedings, who shall, for services thus rendered, be entitled to reasonable compensation out of the amounts recovered or collected in such proceedings.