Opinion
04-CV-0731(Sr).
May 26, 2011
DECISION AND ORDER
This matter was referred to the undersigned by the Hon. Richard J. Arcara, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b), for all pretrial matters and to hear and report upon dispositive motions. Dkt. #16.
By Order entered December 20, 2010, the Hon. Richard J. Arcara accepted this Court's Report, Recommendation and Order recommending that defendants' motion for partial summary judgment be granted and directing appointment of pro bono counsel for trial of the remaining claims. Dkt. #81.
This Court is required to see that all litigants receive proper representation of counsel under the criteria set forth in Cooper v. A. Sargenti Co., 877 F.2d 170 (2d Cir. 1989), and Hodge v. Police Officers, 802 F.2d 58 (2d Cir. 1986). In addition, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), courts have the inherent authority to assign counsel to represent indigent litigants.
More importantly, each lawyer — especially those who are admitted to practice in federal court and who therefore are in a position to reap the benefits of such practice — has an ethical obligation under the Code of Professional Responsibility to provide pro bono services for the poor. New York Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 2, EC 2-16; EC 2-25. "Every lawyer, regardless of professional prominence or professional workload, should find time to participate in serving the disadvantaged." EC 2-25. In addition, Rule 83.1(g) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure provides as follows:
Every member of the bar of this Court shall be available upon the Court's request for appointment to represent or assist in the representation of indigent parties. Appointments under this rule shall be made in a manner such that no attorney shall be requested to accept more than one appointment during any twelve month period.
It is in this spirit that the Court assigns Todd M. Schiffmacher, Esq., Bergen Schiffmacher, LLP, 651 Delaware Avenue, Suite 210, Buffalo, NY 14202, pro bono, to faithfully and diligently represent plaintiff in this case.
The Clerk of the Court is directed to provide Mr. Schiffmacher a copy of this Order and the Guidelines Governing Reimbursement from the District Court Fund of Expenses Incurred by Court Appointed Counsel. This information and the forms are also available on the Court's web site at the Attorney Information link from the home page located at: www.nywd.uscourts.gov. The Chief Judge of the Court will also issue an Order directing PACER to waive its fees so pro bono counsel can access and print at no cost to him or his firm any other documents filed herein that he may need.