Opinion
Case No. 14 C 9823
06-16-2015
KEVIN AUSTIN, Plaintiff, v. CITY OF CHICAGO, a Municipal Corporation, Defendant.
MEMORANDUM ORDER
This employment discrimination action by Kevin Austin ("Austin") against the City of Chicago (the "City") was initiated on Austin's behalf by his then-retained counsel Barry Gomberg ("Gomberg"). But after living 1/2 year with the case, Gomberg filed a May 29, 2015 motion to withdraw as Austin's counsel, asserting this in his motion [Dkt. 13]:
There has been a break down in the attorney-client relationship between Plaintiff and his counsel, in part, regarding communication and case strategy.This Court granted Gomberg's motion when it was presented -- and Austin, who participated telephonically when Gomberg tendered that motion, then stated that he anticipated seeking the appointment of a replacement for Gomberg.
Austin has now tendered a Motion for Attorney Assistance ("Motion"), supported by an In Forma Pauperis Application ("Application"), both employing forms supplied by the Clerk's Office for use by pro se litigants. This Court has reviewed those submissions and has determined that Austin qualifies for in forma pauperis status. It therefore grants Austin's Motion and has obtained the name of this member of the District Court trial bar to represent him:
Attorney Slovak is advised that the next scheduled status hearing date is 9 a.m. July 10, 2015.
Patricia Costello Slovak
Schiff Hardin, LLP
233 South Wacker Drive
Suite 6600
Chicago, IL 60606
312-258-5500
Email: pslovak@schiffhardin.com.
This Court has made no judgment as to the breach in relationship that occurred as between Austin and Gomberg that led to the latter's withdrawal as counsel -- it does not inquire into such situations, both because of its respect for the attorney-client privilege and because it regards such breaches as the law-based equivalent of no-fault divorce. It should however be made clear to Austin that if the situation were to repeat itself, there would be no assurance of a further appointment.
/s/_________
Milton I. Shadur
Senior United States District Judge
Date: June 16, 2015