Opinion
Case No. 14-cv-11700
11-02-2016
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. POINTE PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC, et al., Defendants.
Stephanie Dawkins Davis United States Magistrate Judge
ORDER DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE DEFENDANT ANDREW RUDEN, M.D.'S MOTION TO APPOINT COUNSEL (ECF NO. 163)
Defendant Andrew Ruden, M.D. has filed a motion to appoint counsel. (ECF No. 163.) On November 1, 2016, the Court heard argument from Dr. Ruden on his request and finds that appointment of pro bono counsel is not appropriate at this stage of the litigation. "The court may request an attorney to represent any person unable to afford counsel." 28 U.S .C. § 1915(e)(1). "The appointment of counsel in a civil proceeding is not a constitutional right and is justified only in exceptional circumstances." Lanier v. Bryant, 332 F.3d 999, 1006 (6th Cir. 2003). See also Lavado v. Keohane, 992 F.2d 601, 605-606 (6th Cir. 1993) ("Appointment of counsel in a civil case is not a constitutional right. It is a privilege that is justified only by exceptional circumstances."). "In determining whether 'exceptional circumstances' exist, courts have examined the type of case and the abilities of the plaintiff to represent himself." Lavado, 992 F.2d at 606 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). The decision whether to appoint counsel rests within the sound discretion of the district court. Henry v. City of Detroit Manpower Dep't, 763 F.2d 757, 760 (6th Cir. 1985).
Dr. Ruden stated to the Court at the status conference on November 1, 2016, that he continues to practice as a physician and is earning income. Dr. Ruden has not demonstrated his financial inability to obtain counsel. In addition, Dr. Ruden is a well spoken, well educated individual who appears to the Court to comprehend the nature of the proceedings in this matter, which he attends regularly, and to understand the nature of the claims against him. See United States S.E.C. v. Onyx Capital Advisors, LLC, No. 10-11633, 2012 WL 1018913, at *3 (E.D. Mich. March 26, 2012) (denying defendant's motion to appoint counsel where defendant failed to demonstrate indigence and had argued on his own behalf and appeared to understand the facts at issue).
The Court finds that Dr. Ruden has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would justify the Court's appointment of pro bono counsel to assist him in his defense at this stage of the proceedings. Accordingly, the Court will DENY the motion to appoint counsel WITHOUT PREJUDICE. IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Paul D. Borman
PAUL D. BORMAN
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE Dated: November 2, 2016
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned certifies that a copy of the foregoing order was served upon each attorney or party of record herein by electronic means or first class U.S. mail on November 2, 2016.
s/Deborah Tofil
Case Manager