Pro se cases account for a significant portion of the Court’s civil docket. Occasionally, in the interest of justice, the Court finds that counsel should be appointed to represent pro se litigants. This is especially true in cases that must be tried, and appointments typically occur after summary judgment motions have been decided. Appointment is generally for the limited purpose of presenting the plaintiff’s case to a jury and/or to representing the plaintiff in mediation.
Frequently, these cases involve civil rights claims filed by inmates, and, unlike appointments under the Criminal Justice Act ("CJA"), are almost always on a pro bono basis. In addition to gaining valuable federal litigation experience, attorneys who accept such appointments contribute significantly to the ideal of equal access to justice.
While the Court may appoint counsel, it cannot pay appointed counsel’s attorney fees. However, in certain cases, appointed counsel can petition the Court for reimbursement of limited out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, if the plaintiff in a case filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 prevails, the appointed counsel can apply for a statutory award of fees against the defendant(s) pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988. Appointed counsel may enter into a fee arrangement.
The Court is assembling a roster of attorneys who may be willing to be appointed on behalf of pro se litigants in cases where the Court has deemed legal representation to be necessary. Attorneys are typically given information about a case prior to appointment to allow for conflict checks and further consideration. Some firms may prefer to have a contact in a pro bono office designated for these types of appointments. If you are interested in having your name placed on this roster, please fill out the form below. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Casey, Pro Se Staff Attorney, at (816) 512-5097 or at susan_casey@mow.uscourts.gov.
Thank you.