Cochran v. Burdick
Cochran v. Burdick
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
It seems to me that the evidence requires a finding that defendant Burdick desired to employ a 'Washington lawyer who was a member of the Bar of this Court and who could qualify under the rules of this Court as attorney of record and appear in these cases as a matter of right; that plaintiff Cochran was not a member of the Bar of this Court and had a real doubt in his own mind as to his right to appear in this Court as counsel in cases under the War Minerals Relief Act, and that under the circumstances known to plaintiff a reasonable man would not have believed that plaintiff had a right to appear as counsel of record
It seems to me as a matter of law that under these facts Burdick was entitled to cancel his contract if he did so promptly upon learning the true facts. It is undisputed that the letter of October 31, 1930, cancelling the contract was written within a few days after Burdick learned of the facts.
It follows that plaintiff is not entitled to a decree against defendant Burdick.
In my opinion the subsequent re-employment of Dunn by Burdick was a new contract and was not an attempt to evade the obligation of Dunn to plaintiff under the original contract. Therefore the ease should be dismissed also as to Dunn.
"When the defendant Dougherty agreed with plaintiff to act as attorney of record he was justified in believing that plaintiff was authorized to employ him. He withdrew promptly when Burdick repudiated the employment and never claimed or received any fee in the cases. Plaintiff could have ascertained the latter fact by slight inquiry. It was not necessary to make Mr. Dougherty a defendant. The suit will be dismissed as to him.
This memorandum will be taken as findings of fact. If counsel oh either side believe the findings should be more elaborate they will please prepare draft of the findings desired.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.