Tinika Se'Cal Warren v. Frank J. Bisignano

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Nevada denied without prejudice Tinika Se'Cal Warren’s motions for appointment of counsel and notice of representation. The court found no extraordinary circumstances warranting appointment of counsel under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), advised plaintiff to continue coordinating with the law firm referenced in her filings, and directed her to file a renewed in forma pauperis application if needed.

Holdings

1. A federal court may request counsel to represent an indigent civil litigant only under extraordinary circumstances; plaintiff did not demonstrate extraordinary circumstances, so appointment of counsel was denied without prejudice.
2. The motion for notice of representation was denied without prejudice, and plaintiff was directed not to refile the motions; counsel could enter an appearance if the law firm agreed to represent plaintiff.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should appoint counsel for plaintiff under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1).
2. Whether the court should grant plaintiff's motion for notice of representation.

Disposition

other