Anderson v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
19
ORDER: The plaintiff's request for appointment of counsel is denied without prejudice. See attached ruling. Signed by Judge Donna F. Martinez on 9/14/11. (Constantine, A.)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT
BRUCE ANDERSON,
Plaintiff
v.
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE,
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,
Defendant.
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
CASE NO. 3:10cv1832(RNC)
RULING ON PLAINTIFF'S REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
The plaintiff seeks appointment of pro bono counsel. (Doc.
#16.)
For the reasons set forth below, the plaintiff's request is
denied without prejudice.
The Second Circuit repeatedly has cautioned the district
courts against the routine appointment of counsel.
See, e.g.,
Hendricks v. Coughlin, 114 F.3d 390, 393 (2d Cir. 1997).
The
Second Circuit has made clear that before an appointment is even
considered, the indigent person must demonstrate that he is unable
to obtain counsel or legal assistance on his own.
See Hodge v.
Police Officers, 802 F.2d 58, 61 (2d Cir. 1986).
The plaintiff did not indicate that he has contacted any
lawyers to seek assistance with his case.
Accordingly, the court
cannot conclude at this time that the plaintiff will be unable to
obtain legal assistance on his own.
The plaintiff's request for appointment of counsel is hereby
DENIED without prejudice as premature.
Any future motion shall
include information on attempts to obtain legal assistance.
SO ORDERED this 14th day of September 2011, at Hartford,
Connecticut.
/s/
Donn F. Martinez
United States Magistrate Judge
2
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?