Opinion
05-CV-0142A(Sr).
March 10, 2009
DECISION AND ORDER
Plaintiff filed a pro se complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that while he was incarcerated at Southport Correctional Facility, he was subjected to excessive force, denied adequate medical care for his knee injury and neurologic illness and issued false misbehavior reports in retaliation for his complaints. Dkt. #9.
Plaintiff has requested appointment of counsel pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Dkt. #29. In support of his motion, plaintiff alleges that defendants have suspended prescription medication causing him neurological difficulties, including an inability to speak. Dkt. #29. Plaintiff also alleges that his current medical condition prevents him from effectively representing himself. Dkt. #29.
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, 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 Marc C. Panepinto, Esq. of Cantor Lukasik Dolce Panepinto, 1600 Main Place Tower, 350 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, pro bono, to faithfully and diligently represent plaintiff in this case.
The Clerk of the Court is directed to forward to Mr. Panepinto a copy of this order and the Guidelines Governing Reimbursement from the District Court Fund of Expenses Incurred by Court Appointed Counsel. 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.
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: http://www.nywd.uscourts.gov/document/fundreimbvoweb.pdf.
Plaintiff's attorney is directed to contact counsel for the defendants, Michael J. Russo, to obtain copies of documents relevant to plaintiff's case and to consult with plaintiff prior to the status conference with counsel set for Monday, May 4, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
SO ORDERED.