Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-04012/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-04012-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 710
Nature of Suit: Fair Labor Standards Act
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Fair Labor Standards Act

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ROBERT RUNNINGS, individually, and 

on behalf of others similarly situated,

Plaintiff(s), No. C 07-4012 PJH

v. ORDER

DOLLAR TREE STORES INC., 

Defendant(s).

_______________________________/

The court held a hearing on the day following defendant’s filing of a motion for

temporary restraining order, in which it sought an order prohibiting plaintiff’s counsel from

communicating in any fashion with members of the putative class. Although plaintiff had

not had an opportunity to oppose the motion in writing, he was permitted to do so orally at

the hearing. Maureen McClain appeared for defendant; Scott Edward Cole appeared for

plaintiff.

Because the motion for a temporary restraining order does not go to the merits of

the complaint or even the class certification process, it does not appear to the court to be

the appropriate vehicle with which to seek the relief requested, and for that reason it is

denied. However, the issue raised therein is one that concerns the court and counsel were

accordingly advised that in the future, issues regarding abusive contacts with the putative

class by counsel for either party, should be brought to the attention of the court by motion

for a protective order or by requesting a case management conference.

With respect to the merits, the court finds that while the letter borders on a

questionable solicitation, it does not reflect a violation of the California Rules of 

Case 3:07-cv-04012-SC Document 13 Filed 08/10/07 Page 1 of 2
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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Professional Conduct identified by defendant. However, the parties are advised that until a

formal attorney client relationship is established or a class is certified, both sides may

communicate with putative class members as long as the communication is not coercive or

abusive and as long as the class members are told that their participation is entirely

voluntary. Any abuses must be supported by evidence and may be brought to the court’s

attention as set forth above. Additionally, plaintiff’s counsel shall within one week, provide

to defendant’s counsel in writing, a list of all putative class members to whom the letter was

sent, identifying them by name (if known) and store, or other address if not sent to a store.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 8, 2007 ______________________________

PHYLLIS J. HAMILTON

United States District Judge

Case 3:07-cv-04012-SC Document 13 Filed 08/10/07 Page 2 of 2