Opinion
Case No. 07-14373.
December 13, 2007
ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF'S APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
This matter came before the court on plaintiff LaShea Walker's October 15, 2007 application for appointment of counsel. In her pro se complaint, Plaintiff has alleged, among other things, retaliation by her employer after she complained about her leave time.
The appointment of counsel in a civil case is a privilege and not a constitutional right, one that should be allowed only in exceptional cases. Lopez v. Reyes, 692 F.2d 15, 17 (5th Cir. 1982). The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has advised that district courts, in considering an application for appointment of counsel in civil cases, "should at least consider plaintiff's financial resources, the efforts of plaintiff to obtain counsel, and whether plaintiff's claim appears to have any merit." Henry v. City of Detroit Manpower Dep't., 763 F.2d 757, 760 (6th Cir. 1985).
In reviewing plaintiff Walker's application, the court finds no exceptional circumstances to allow for the appointment of counsel.