James H. Klahr
James Klahr practices in the areas of general municipal law, including contract review, real estate transactions, regulatory and statutory compliance, including compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law and Missouri Ethics Commission requirements, and litigation. James joined Lauber Municipal Law in 2025. Prior to joining the firm, James served as Executive Director at the Missouri Ethics Commission where he educated public officials about the ethics laws and enforced violations of the laws. James also worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Governmental Affairs Section of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office where he counseled state agencies, boards, and commissions, and handled Sunshine Law enforcement.
Education
- Emory University, J.D. 1994
- Duke University, BA 1990
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 1994
Honors/Recognition
- Author, Chapter on Missouri Open Meetings/Open Records Law (Sunshine Law); Missouri Bar CLE Administrative Law Deskbook (3rd ed. 2000)
- Contributor, Missouri Sunshine Law Guide (multiple updates), Missouri Attorney General’s Office
Regular Speaker, Missouri Police Chiefs Association; Missouri Sheriff’s Association – Annual Legislative and Case Law Updates (qualified for four (4) hours of continuing legal education for POST requirements) (1997 – 2008) - Speaker, Missouri Municipal League; Sunshine Law Compliance
Relevant Legal Experience
- City Attorney for multiple Missouri cities
- City Prosecutor for multiple Missouri cities
- Assistant City Attorney for multiple Missouri cities
- Regularly advised local officials on their duties under the Missouri Sunshine Law, through one-on-one phone calls and in-person training
- Provided in-person training to local officials and candidates regarding their duties under Missouri Ethics Laws
- Provided advisory opinions regarding interpretation of Missouri Ethics Laws
- Represented state agency as defendant in Sunshine Law enforcement action and brought enforcement action against a county commission for alleged Sunshine Law violations
- Represented state agencies in employment litigation and represented the Missouri Human Rights Commission in an action under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Represented state boards and commissions in federal court, state court, and before the Administrative Hearing Commission
Professional Affiliations
- Missouri Bar
- Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association
- Missouri Municipal League
- Cole County Bar Association
Civic and Community Involvement
- Rotary Club of Jefferson City (Downtown), Current Secretary and Former President (2017-18)
- Mentor in Jefferson City Public Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson City
- Choir Member & Sunday School Teacher (4th-5th grade), Jefferson City First United Methodist Church
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