Document: 401 U.S. 576 91 S.Ct. 1076 28 L.Ed.2d 339 UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION, Petitioner,v.The STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN. No. 434. Argued Jan. 20, 1971. Decided April 5, John J. Naughton, Chicago, Ill., for petitioner. A. D. Ruegsegger, Detroit, Mich., respondent. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The Michigan State Bar brought this action in January 1959 to enjoin members Brotherhood Railroad Trainmen1 from engaging activities undertaken stated purpose assisting their fellow workers, widows and families, protect themselves excessive fees at hands incompetent attorneys suits damages under Federal Employers' Liability Act.2 complaint charged, as factors relevant cause action, that Union recommended selected its it secured a commitment those maximum fee charged would not exceed 25% recovery, Chicago lawyers represent claimants. Bar's appears be plea court protection unlimited legal fees. Union's answers admitted had engaged practice protecting against large counsel; since 1930 recommended, with respect FELA claims, injured member employees, consult designated by 'Legal Counsel'; prior March 1959, informed families counsel charge excess any recovery; representatives were reimbursed transporting or offices. 2 only evidence introduced case was testimony one employee Association American Railroads 1961 1953 through 1960 number claimants represented counsel. Based on admissions set out above, state trial 1962 issued an order enjoining ground they violated statute making misdemeanor 'solicit' damage railroads.3 appealed Supreme Court, but before argued appeal, Court handed down decision Trainmen v. Virginia ex rel. Bar, 377 1, 84 1113, 12 89 (1964), involving similar injunction Union. We held First Amendment guarantees free speech, petition, assembly give railroad workers right cooperate helping advising another asserting rights FELA. While deciding every question possibly could raised, our left no doubt have act collectively secure good, honest assert claims railroads. 3 Acknowledging Trainmen, remanded instant permission amendment 'to seek, if so advised, relief inconsistent Court's said opinion.' 374 Mich. 152, 155, 132 N.W.2d 78, 79. After remand, made motion further proceedings. That heard February 1965, which time declined amend complaint. For reasons explained record, lingered until May 24, 1968. On date, after judgment arguments motion, adopted verbatim injuction entered courts remand Trainmen. 4 In affirming decree, material part is below,4 gave holding narrowest possible reading,5 focusing specific literal language injunctive provisions challenged rather than broad range union protected Amendment. Similarly, erroneously restricted United Mine Workers America, Dist. Illinois Assn., 389 217, 88 353, 19 426 (1967), 'the operative portion' decree prohibiting financial connection between attorney failed follow decisions Workers, NAACP Button, 371 415, 83 328, 9 405 (1963), upholding principle groups can unite effectively economically practicable. When applied, must be, reflected record case, forbids restraints imposed here review following among other reasons. 5 First. approved enjoins 'giving furnishing advice families.' Given broadest meaning, provision bar members, officers, agents, giving kind worker his family concerning claim. we upheld commonsense proposition such activity Moreover, plain meaning particular emphatically deny employ explicitly Workers6 Button. 6 cannot accept interpretation urged accepted Brother HARLAN, prohibits 'practicing law.' devoid allegation conduct members. A relate specifically exclusively pleadings proof. If related, provision, because vagueness, will jeopardize exercise freedoms. This injunction, like criminal statute, fear punishment. Therefore, look upon face abridges guaranteed Amendment, should struck down. Our statement Button there equally applicable now us: '(W)e assume that, subsequent enforcement, ambiguities resolved favor adequate rights.' U.S., 438, S.Ct., 340. 7 Second. also names information relating injuries. investigation accidents staff purposes gathering assist n. 8, 1115. It seem least little strange hold communicate member's attorney.7 8 Third. 'accepting receiving compensation kind, directly indirectly, solicitation employment lawyer, whether way salary, commission otherwise.' conceded actual spent out-of-pocket expenses incurred bringing offices Since help advise each securing effective representation, transportation attorney's office within scope activity. To extent practice, invalid Fourth. Borthers HARLAN WHITE apparently contention refers paid And interpreted, supplements two prohibit sharing received There basis restraint. Such even suggested line case. suggestion, records cases parties courts, believe seeks rely. fact, explanation appearance court's adoption different facts. Decrees litigants rest unsupportable this. 10 concede has neither alleged nor proved past, presently engaging, plans engage, Nonetheless, he suggests justified remove 'temptation' participate activities. novel concept equity jurisdiction open injunctions 'temptation,' deem potential sufficient issuance injunction. Indeed, appear over heretofore been reserved churches. 11 An issue plaintiff established sought enjoined illegal defendant, enjoined, engage conduct. Hitchman Coal & Coke Co. Mitchell, 245 229, 262, 38 65, 76, 62 L.Ed. 260 (1917), portions picketing physical violence either these forms interference threatened.8 Likewise present prohibition fees, simply showing threatened. all. use often quoted slogan, unjustified, 'arbitrary capricious.' Fifth. Finally, bars controlling, lawyer. agreement recommends percentage include all incidental litigation. answer agreements 13 obtain affordable representation. One abuses remedied Workers' plan situation pursuant 'were required pay forty fifty per cent amounts recovered suits, fees.' 219, 354. dealt problem employing salary basis, thereby providing representation workmen's board. same abuse limiting attorneys. hard justice cooperative children, injustice inadequate foreclosed doing Workers.9 14 context deal seeking But involved limited facts At basic group first asserted association Negroes freedoms Constitution. common threat running collective meaningful access fundamental However, hollow promise associations others means enabling meet costs stand decisions. 15 Reversed. 16 STEWART took 17 concurring dissenting part. 18 conclusions issues presented are, my view, flawed absence examination relationship substantially contemporaneous proceedings charges unprofessional Brotherhood's Aid Department.' * history establishment Legal Department early attacks local associations, assistance encouragement Railroads, fully recounted elsewhere. See Bodle, Group Services: Case BRT, U.C.L.A.L.Rev. 306, 307 317 (1965); Note, 50 Cornell L.Q. 344 (1965). most significant point history, purposes, came late 1950's. With disciplinary pending Regional Counsel Chicago,1 counterattacked moving declaration both compatible minimum standards professional hearings special commissioner, found operation seriously disputed: 20 'As operates, aid department maintains central Cleveland, Ohio, national headquarters Brotherhood. consisting chief clerk, research analyst, three stenographers file clerk. regional investigators. Cleveland serves clearing house receives reports Lodges instances killed accidents. notifies appropriate investigator 21 'By who are twenty-five amount recovery settlement judgment. agreed do costs, doctors' examinations, expert witness transcript cost printing briefs appeal. They total operating (including department's ratable share conventions). All apportioned sixteen ratio respective gross bear recoveries throughout country. 22 'The constitution requires lodge appoint someone whose duty fill accident report whenever injured, make contact man, relatives man killed, known given He makes availability handle claim ensuing litigation includes 23 investigates occurrence urges consulted employed. These men carry blank copies contracts counsel's firm investigators employed contracts. signed contract obtained field, brings interested Chicago. may accompanied wife, party widow, wife trip. trips immediately compensated regular hourly wage rate investigating trip retained, regardless ultimate outcome. addition (the Chicago) testified, 'There many times when boys bring taking care investigation, etc., gratuity $100 $150." re Ill.2d 391, 392—395, 150 N.E.2d 163, 165—166 (1958). 24 thus found, laid guidelines indicate what personal injury wrongful death members: 25 'We properly maintain investigate injuries investigations results value prosecuting individual available survivors. financed without undue burden 218,000 26 generally, survivors particular, first, advisability obtaining second, who, opinion, capacity successfully. Its however, photostats checks. No lawyer permissible. whatsoever departments, officers compensation, reimbursement procurement Nor fix services client remain one. 27 course outlined, adopted, achieve legitimate objectives tearing profession.' Id., 397—398, N.E.2d, 167—168. year, July itself into compliance standards. 399, 168. 29 rendered appeared satisfy Bar. 344, 348 32 By letter dated 16, president directed live up entirety' pain being removed reported association. announced '(t) finance Department, acquainted accidents, able remedy violation Act Safety Appliance Act. result shall person.' App. 16—17. BRT directing therewith became consent judgments Nebraska,2 Missouri,3 several States.4 30 content anti-solicitation measures ordered court,5 pressed more sweeping decree. originally entered, restrained 31 '(1) families; (2) (3) informing occurred name address deceased lawyer; (4) manner soliciting encouraging lawyers; (5) stating suggesting defray advances clients claims; (6) (7) otherwise; (8) countenancing splitting layman lay agency; (9) combination acts, formulating putting plan, pattern design, channel (10) and, general, violating laws governing law Commonwealth Virginia.' 207 Va. 182, 184 149 S.E.2d 265, 266—267, (1966) (numbers inserted convenient reference). attack numbered (2), (4), above. 4—5, 1115—1116, (1964). tactical decision, enabled argue acquiesced ethics profession public interest.6 therefore take position contested (Virginia) restrictive suggested.' Reply Brief 29, 34, O.T. 1963. 33 contentions reversed. deleted replaced 'sharing gift, assignment otherwise,' altered wording remaining minor respects, modified consistent mandate. S.Ed.2d 265 (1966). did seek final due course. II 34 background, below judge generally familiar, posture. unlawful business. answer, admitting some respects denying them others, affirmative defense, noting aware proceeding assisted it, although formally party. observed declared certain features lawful discontinuance latter. then averred filing opinion. above-mentioned contended complained permissible terminated, bill dismissed want mootness. 15—17. 35 reply relied findings working estoppel defendants matters issue. 20—27.7 leaves unclear just considered lawsuit. described broader narrower 23—24. next pleading filed, 'Statement Claim,' clarify matters. referred scheme business, included allegations payments contributed support during pendency 29. 36 clear confusion including pretrial summary '(i)n event requested states where decrees entered.' 30. nothing responded request designed limit solicitation. 37 initial hearing inter alia prohibited '(e)ngaging activity, endeavor condemned Trainmen.' 117. 'although contained pleaded suit, nevertheless, defendants' indirectly injected covered order.' 112. Inasmuch to, see supra, 587—589, related complaint, I consider entirely justifiable. unfortunate stale is, ample conduct, character call us. Brotherhood, despite repeated objectionable ceased introduce proof effect evidentiary 1961. 1965 1968 reopening change factual circumstances original provides modification continuing proper changed circumstances. Protestant Reformed Church Grand Rapids DeWolf, 358 489, 495, 100 254, 257 (1960) (dictum), citing States Swift Co., 286 106, 114, 52 460, 462, 76 999 (1932). posture, am pass validity record. III 39 agree light recent decisions, portion decree—that controlling attorneys—cannot stand. matter federal constitutional labor entitled interest, direct them. believed still unsound piece adjudication, unable distinguish bar, interest. Despite acquiescence States, find unforeseeable wrought justify relieving consequences position. Restatement Judgments § 70 (1942); 1B J Moore, Practice 0.448 concur vacating think past otherwise valid. 40 understand 'commonsense' approach extends laymen constitutionally laymen. intended manifestly based corresponding supported chancellor's finding furtherance defendant continues advise, aspects claims.' Va., 183 S.E.2d, 266 1. '(t)elling person recover, suit thing constitutes Michigan.' fanciful suggestion 'plain meaning' 'would members.' Ante, 581. event, ambiguity strike 41 second about addresses orders refrain prove terminated. Nothing approves business except insofar correlative clients. 1117—1118. reason terms interests why obliged whatever chooses prefers. plainly ensuring workman truly choice. fend 'ambulance chasing,' hardly suppose thinks 42 Another 'stating persons claim.' close proscribed supra. As petitioner admits, while improper clients, him fact drawing card effort employment. time, inaccurate, misapprehension score well determinative factor man's balance, conclude equities acquiesce States. 43 recoveries, accepting temptation overbear choice long unethical, field protect. striking decree.8 44 sustain exception already noted me few general remarks closing. Brothers' concern problems competent middle lower economic strata society. deserving best efforts resolution, task organized thought too slow recognizing. condone, Brethren, nefarious practices called forth us today. 45 desirability services, ways traditional concepts account changes social structure needs 19th century. issue, rather, Constitution regulation law. implications denial situations, 452—455, 347—349, (1963) (dissenting opinion), purchasers increase market power. seems remote best. Cf. Associated Press 326 19—20, 65 1416, 1424—1425, 2013 (1945). Recognizing majority Brethren felt conclusion. not, extend logic. Accordingly, noted, affirm below. 46 WHITE, whom BLACKMUN joins, 47 overbroad narrowed nonlawyers. Also, forbidding setting unionlawyer Otherwise, read aside entirety. 1969, below, merged newly created union, Transportation successor Stat. amended, U.S.C. §§ 51—60. Section 750.410, Mich.Comp.Laws (1948), provides: 'Any organization incorporated unincorporated solicit representing guilty misdemeanor. *' permanently Union: 'from y n suffered non-member claim; 383 201, 174 811. overturned from: 'Giving advice.' 218 attorney. collected chooses, 'any lawyer,' nonrecommended alike. attorney, Union, communicating representative investigated accident, familiar facts, himself, probably qualified questions preparation notion communication somehow unlawful, restrict efforts, expressly preparing trial, written filed member. Brandeis dissented applied well. 263, (Brandeis, J., dissenting). expenses. therefore, invalid. peninsula Michigan, lawsuit brought. 14. Beck Lush, 170 Neb. 376, 103 136 (1960). Hulse 340 S.W.2d 404 (Mo.1960). Initially might proceedings, possibility never eventuated. 30—31. petitioner's '(i)f moment' along lines acceptable 'we tomorrow.' 91, acknowledged limitation contentions: 'Certain denies Illinois. 163. objecting later construed barring recommending settle provisions.' 9, 1116. passing actions cause.' 24. 17, relied, detailed Department. 587. end product evolution splitting, process 404, 408—409 having evil matured form, proscribe straight-forward manifestation begun. settled equity, administrative agency, 'cannot confine road block narrow lane transgressor traveled; allowed roads goal, by-passed impunity.' FTC Ruberoid 343 470, 473, 72 800, 803, 96 1081 (1952) (footnote omitted). See, e.g., Local 167 International Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen Helpers America 291 293, 54 396, 78 804 (1934); Ethyl Gasoline Corp 309 436, 60 618, 852 (1940); National Lead 332 319, 67 1634, 2077 (1947).

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