Opinion
Civil Action No. 06-cv-00282-EWN-CBS.
October 2, 2008
ORDER
This civil action came before the court on October 2, 2008 on Mr. Howard's "Motion to Reconsider Motion to Appoint Counsel" (filed September 22, 2008) (doc. # 143). Pursuant to the General Order of Reference dated March 13, 2006 (doc. # 10) and the memorandum dated September 23, 2008 (doc. # 144), the Motion was referred to the Magistrate Judge. The court has reviewed Mr. Howard's Motion, the entire case file, and the applicable law and is sufficiently advised in the premises.
While indigent civil litigants have no constitutional or statutory right to be represented by a lawyer, Merritt v. Faulkner, 697 F.2d 761, 763 (7th Cir. 1983), in its discretion the court "may request an attorney to represent any person unable to afford counsel." 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). The court may request legal counsel for Mr. Howard by placing this case on the list of cases for which counsel may choose to volunteer.
Accordingly, the court directs that the Clerk of the Court place this case on the list of cases for which counsel may choose to volunteer. Mr. Howard is reminded that this Order does not guarantee that a lawyer will volunteer to represent him. Mr. Howard must continue to proceed pro se as necessary.