Young v. Community Emergency Medical Service, Inc.

Filing 18

ORDER denying 17 Request for Appointment of Counsel filed by LaShawn Young. Signed by District Judge George Caram Steeh (MBea)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION
LaSHAWN YOUNG,
Plaintiff,
Case No. 10-CV-14717
v.
HON. GEORGE CARAM STEEH
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICE, INC.,
Defendant.
_____________________________________/
ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST
FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL (#17)
Plaintiff LaShawn Young, currently appearing pro se, filed an application for
appointment of counsel financial affidavit. The Sixth Circuit has held that appointment of
counsel is not a constitutional right in a civil case. Lavado v. Keohane, 992 F.2d 601,
605-606 (6th Cir. 1993). Appointment is justified only under exceptional circumstances and
is not appropriate “when the chances of success are extremely slim.” Id. at 606. In
determining whether appointment is appropriate, the court also reviews the complexity of
the issues presented and the plaintiff’s ability to represent himself. Id. A district court’s
decision regarding appointment is reviewed for abuse of discretion. In this case, plaintiff
provides no reason, let alone exceptional circumstances, necessitating appointment of
counsel in this case. The facts and legal issues involved appear relatively straight-forward.
Because plaintiff has not set forth exceptional circumstances justifying court-appointed
counsel in this civil case, plaintiff’s request is DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 13, 2011
S/George Caram Steeh
GEORGE CARAM STEEH
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Copies of this Order were served upon attorneys of record on
July 13, 2011, by electronic and/or ordinary mail and upon
LaShawn Young at 14790 Woodmont, Detroit, MI 48227.
s/Marcia Beauchemin
Deputy Clerk