Opinion ID: 1684767
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: SEC Representation

Text: In paragraphs 12-16, the respondents argue that Dill is subject to jurisdiction in Alabama because Hutchings represented Norton in the SEC investigation of Norton's involvement in Bellwether and Southwestern. This argument is based on Norton's affidavit, which states, in part: 2. In October 1999, I retained Jack Hutchings (`Mr. Hutchings') ... to represent me in connection with the SEC's investigation into Bellwether [and] Southwestern.... I paid Mr. Hutchings $2,000.00 by check which was mailed from the State of Alabama to Mr. Hutchings for his representation. I received the cancelled check indicating Mr. Hutchings negotiated the check and I have no reason to believe [Dill] did not receive the money. 3. During Mr. Hutchings' representation of me, I had numerous telephone conversations with Mr. Hutchings regarding the SEC's investigation while I was in the State of Alabama at my residence and on my telephone. Mr. Hutchings provided to me legal representation and advice during those conversations for addressing various SEC requests. 4. I would receive correspondence at my residence in the State of Alabama from Mr. Hutchings and would receive legal bills for services he allegedly rendered by mail at my home in the State of Alabama. I continued to receive periodic invoices from [Dill] by mail into the State of Alabama at my home address for alleged past due amounts owed for Mr. Hutchings' services as late as six (6) months ago. The bills coincidentally ceased coming to my residence in Alabama when I filed suit against Ms. Matsukage and [Dill]. This argument fails for the same reasons expressed in Parts III.A.1. and A.3. of this opinion. It is undisputed that all the legal work performed for Norton was performed in Colorado and that the representation occurred before the SEC, that is, outside Alabama. In other words, Dill did not purport to provide Norton in-state representation. As we have stated previously in this opinion, a lawyer's out-of-state activities, undertaken on behalf on an in-state clienthowever substantialare immaterial to a minimum-contacts analysis.