Free Order on Motion to Appoint Counsel - District Court of California - California

Case 3:08-cv-01394-JM-RBB

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Filed 08/05/2008

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 vs. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Defendant. Plaintiff Karl T. Limpin brings this action on behalf of himself, and other similarly situated individuals, alleging that the Commissioner improperly calculates certain Supplemental Security Income and Title II disability insurance benefits. Plaintiff moves for leave to proceed in forma pauperis and for appointment of counsel. Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis Plaintiff moves for leave to prosecute this action without the prepayment of fees. Plaintiff declares that he is unemployed, possesses no significant asset, and receives limited disability income from the Social Security Administration. Consequently, the court grants Plaintiff's motion to proceed in forma pauperis. Motion for Appointment of Counsel Plaintiff requests the appointment of counsel to assist him in prosecuting this case. The Constitution provides no right to appointment of counsel in a civil case unless an indigent litigant may lose his physical liberty if he loses the litigation. See Lassiter v. Dept. of Social Services, 452 U.S. -108cv1394

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KARL T. LIMPIN Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 08cv1394 JM (RBB) ORDER GRANTING LEAVE TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS; DENYING MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL; REFERRING MATTER TO UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of Social Security,

Case 3:08-cv-01394-JM-RBB

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Filed 08/05/2008

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18, 25 (1981). Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), however, district courts are granted discretion to appoint counsel for indigent persons under "exceptional circumstances." Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991). "A finding of exceptional circumstances requires an evaluation of both the `likelihood of success on the merits and the ability of the plaintiff to articulate [her] claims pro se in light of the complexity of the legal issues involved.' Neither of these issues is dispositive and both must be viewed together before reaching a decision.'" Id. (quoting Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328, 1331 (9th Cir. 1986)). Here, it appears that plaintiff has a sufficient grasp of his case, the legal issues involved, and is able to adequately articulate the basis of her complaint. Under these circumstances, the Court denies plaintiff's request for appointment of counsel because it is not warranted by the interests of justice. LaMere v. Risley, 827 F.2d 622, 626 (9th Cir. 1987). Referral to Magistrate Judge All matters arising in this social security appeal are hereby referred to United States Magistrate Judge Reuben Brooks for a report and recommendation in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Local Rule 72.1(c)(1)(c). When the parties seek to file a motion for summary judgment in this case, the parties shall contact the chambers of Magistrate Judge Brooks to secure scheduling, filing and/or hearing dates. Both parties are advised that all motions for summary judgment must be filed and served no later than 90 days from the filing date of the answer. Failure to do so may result in dismissal of this action or entry of default. In sum, the court grants the motion to proceed in forma pauperis, denies the motion for appointment of counsel, and refers this matter to Magistrate Judge Brooks. The Clerk of Court is instructed to serve a copy of this order and Plaintiff's complaint on the United States Attorney or authorized representative. IT IS SO ORDERED. DATED: August 5, 2008 Hon. Jeffrey T. Miller United States District Judge
cc: All parties

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08cv1394