ATTORNEY AND CLIENT - UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW

A corporation sold "memberships" to the members of a fraternal order under a contract entitling the members, among other things, to the benefit of the corporation's "legal defense" in any proceeding arising out of the ownership or operation of automobiles--civil or criminal. This legal service was described in a magazine issued by the corporation, which contained a list of recommended attorneys. The members could employ their own attorneys, but were urged to employ those on the list. The corporation took no part in the management of the case and it had no salaried attorney.

It had no notice of the case until the bill for services was presented. The court held that the corporation was engaged in the unauthorized practice of the law. In re Maclub of America, Inc., (Mass. 1936) 3 N. E. (2d) 272.