Opinion
No. 02-CV-6536.
April 8, 2005
ORDER
Plaintiff has filed a pro se complaint alleging that defendant violated the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") under 42 U.S.C. §§ 12112- 12117. 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, 172 (2d Cir. 1989), and Hodge v. Police Officers, 802 F.2d 58, 60 (2d Cir. 1986). In addition, courts have the inherent authority to assign counsel to represent private indigent litigants. See In re Smiley, 36 N.Y.2d 433, 438 (1975).
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 Dolin, Thomas Solomon, LLP, 693 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607, pro bono to faithfully and diligently represent plaintiff in this case.
The Clerk of the Court is directed to copy the file in this matter and send it to Dolin, Thomas Solomon, LLP, together with a copy of this Order and the Guidelines Governing Reimbursement from the District Court Fund of Expenses Incurred by Court Appointed Counsel. Plaintiff's attorney is directed to contact the Court by May 2, 2005 to request a date for a status conference to discuss further proceedings in this case.
SO ORDERED.