On behalf of the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, I ask that all attorneys admitted in this Court consider volunteering to represent pro se litigants whose civil rights cases have survived dispositive motions and are likely to go to trial. The need for qualified representation in such cases is an ongoing one here and in other federal courts. The assistance of counsel in these cases would be of tremendous benefit not only to the plaintiffs but also to the Court.

While such representation would be on a pro bono basis, the Court has funding to cover some expenses such as depositions and expert witness fees, the limits of which are set forth in G.O. 12-7. Furthermore, given that these cases have survived dispositive motions, there is the possibility a plaintiff may prevail on the merits, particularly with the proper representation. In such cases, an award of attorney fees may be possible. Regardless, the representation would give an attorney valuable trial experience and offer an excellent opportunity to provide a necessary public service.

The Court, with the aid of the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, compiles and maintains a list of attorneys who would be willing to consider appointment to represent indigent prisoners with potentially meritorious civil rights claims. If you are interested in volunteering for such appointments, please fill out the form on the Court’s website and return it to the Federal Bar Association via the email identified on the form.

Thank you for your assistance in this important endeavor.

The Honorable Scott L. Palk
Chief Judge of the District Court

See , Authorization For Reimbursement of Certain Expenses From the Non-Appropriated Fund – dated February 21, 2012.