Lawrence Sanders, Trustee in Bankruptcy of Ace Sales Company v. Providence Washington Insurance Company, Tyree C. Derrick

BRIGHT, Circuit Judge.

Appellant Tyree C. Derrick, an attorney for Ace Sales Company (Ace)', brought a motion before the federal district court seeking to enforce an attorney’s lien. Attorney Derrick contended that under Missouri law he possessed a valid lien arising out of a contingent fee contract for his services upon the proceeds of a settlement effected between the trustee in bankruptcy of Ace and defendant Providence Washington Insurance Company (Providence). The district court, Judge Harper, dismissed Derrick’s motion for want of jurisdiction, concluding that he must first seek relief…