Morris v. Sandoval et al

Filing 193

ORDER APPOINTING COUNSEL. Signed by Judge James Donato on 12/11/2015. (jdlc2S, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/11/2015)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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CONDALEE MORRIS,
Plaintiff,

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United States District Court
Northern District of California

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Case No. 12-cv-06132-JD
ORDER APPOINTING COUNSEL

v.
D. SANDOVAL, et al.,
Defendants.

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In this civil rights case, the Court previously granted plaintiff’s motion seeking the

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appointment of counsel. Dkt. No. 191. Plaintiff is a state prisoner who had been proceeding pro

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se. The Court noted, however, that it had no power to make a coercive appointment in this civil

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case, and it could only attempt to locate volunteer counsel to try this case on plaintiff’s behalf. Id.

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The Court was pleased to be advised by the Federal Pro Bono Project that volunteer

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counsel has been located, and the Court now appoints Jennifer Estremera and Courtland Reichman

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of McKool Smith Hennigan PC as counsel for plaintiff for all purposes pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

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§ 1915(e)(1) and the Court’s Federal Pro Bono Project guidelines. The Court appreciates

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counsel’s willingness to provide this important service on a volunteer basis, and the Court

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welcomes counsel to the case.

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Looking forward, plaintiff and defendants had previously indicated that an additional

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settlement conference would be beneficial. After plaintiff’s new counsel has had some time to

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familiarize themselves with the case, counsel for both sides are requested to meet and confer and

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to file by January 22, 2016, a joint statement indicating whether an additional settlement

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conference is desired. After receiving that filing, the Court will refer the case for a settlement

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conference, set the case for a further case management conference, or both.

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The Court continues the stay of this case (Dkt. No. 191) in the meantime.

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IT IS SO ORDERED.

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Dated: December 11, 2015

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________________________
JAMES DONATO
United States District Judge

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United States District Court
Northern District of California

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