Keita v. Fields ( 2020 )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK ---------------------------------------------------------------------- X : MULBAH KEITA, : : Petitioner, : 20-CV-6154 (JMF) : -v- : ORDER : LEROY FIELDS, : : Respondent. : : ---------------------------------------------------------------------- X JESSE M. FURMAN, United States District Judge: On August 4, 2020, Petitioner submitted an application for counsel. See ECF No. 2. In determining whether to grant an application for counsel, the Court must consider “the merits of plaintiff’s case, the plaintiff’s ability to pay for private counsel, his efforts to obtain a lawyer, the availability of counsel, and the plaintiff’s ability to gather the facts and deal with the issues if unassisted by counsel.” Cooper v. A. Sargenti Co., Inc., 877 F.2d 170, 172 (2d Cir. 1989) (per curiam). As a threshold matter, in order to qualify for counsel Petitioner must demonstrate that his claim has substance or a likelihood of success. See Hodge v. Police Officers, 802 F.2d 58, 60-61 (2d Cir. 1986). In reviewing a request for counsel, the Court must be cognizant of the fact that volunteer attorney time is a precious commodity and, thus, should not grant a request for counsel indiscriminately. Cooper, 877 F.2d at 172. A more fully developed record will be necessary before it can be determined whether Petitioner’s chances of success warrant his request for counsel. Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that Petitioner’s August 4, 2020 application for of counsel is denied without prejudice to renewal at such time as the existence of a potentially meritorious claim may be demonstrated. The Clerk of the Court is directed to terminate ECF No. 2 and to mail a copy of this Order to the Petitioner. SO ORDERED. Dated: August 11, 2020 New York, New York JESSE M. MAN United States District Judge