Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01022/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01022-82/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff Troas Barnett (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding in this civil rights action

pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. On April 27, 2015, Angelina Z. Bradley was appointed as volunteer pro 

bono counsel to represent Plaintiff at trial. (ECF No. 325.) Currently this matter is set for a jury trial 

on February 23, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., in Courtroom 8 (BAM). (ECF No. 330.)

On September 15, 2015, Plaintiff filed a motion on his own behalf, with a supporting 

declaration, requesting that the Court discharge Ms. Bradley from her duties as his counsel and 

“reinstate” his pro se status. (ECF No. 333.) On September 17, 2015, the Court directed counsel to 

meet with Plaintiff and discuss her continued representation of him, and to file a status report 

informing the Court whether the representation could continue or whether she would be seeking leave 

to withdraw as counsel. (ECF No. 334.) 

Currently before the Court is counsel’s combined status report and motion to withdraw as 

counsel of record, filed September 17, 2015. (ECF No. 335.) In her combined status report and 

TROAS V. BARNETT,

 Plaintiff,

v.

MARTIN GAMBOA, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:05-cv-01022-BAM PC

ORDER DIRECTING PLAINTIFF TO RESPOND 

TO COUNSEL’S MOTION TO WITHDRAW

WITH A DECLARATION FILED UNDER SEAL

(ECF No. 335)

ORDER DIRECTING CLERK’S OFFICE TO 

PROVIDE PLAINTIFF A COPY OF THIS ORDER

AND PERMITTING FILING A DOCUMENT 

UNDER SEAL

FOURTEEN-DAY DEADLINE

Case 1:05-cv-01022-BAM Document 336 Filed 09/18/15 Page 1 of 4
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motion, counsel explains that she spoke with Plaintiff via telephone on several issues regarding her 

representation of him. (Id. at 1-2.) At Plaintiff’s request, counsel has moved for withdrawal as counsel 

of record, stating in support of her motion that the relationship has deteriorated to the point where she 

can no longer effectively represent Plaintiff, including because of his motion and some disagreements 

regarding his case. (Id. at 2.) She further believes a conflict of interest exists in light of several 

disputed allegations Plaintiff made in his motion seeking that she be discharged as counsel of record. 

(Id.) Nevertheless, in counsel’s opinion, Plaintiff will be ineffective in advocating his own interests at 

trial, and she argues the Court should consider appointing him another pro bono panel attorney. (Id. at 

2-3.) She further explains that in discussing this matter with Plaintiff, he expressed an unwillingness to 

be appointed new counsel, preferring to represent himself. (Id.)

The decision to grant withdrawal is within the discretion of the Court and leave “may be 

granted subject to such appropriate conditions as the Court deems fit.” Courts consider several factors 

in ruling on a motion to withdraw, including “1) the reasons why withdrawal is sought; 2) the 

prejudice withdrawal may cause to other litigants; 3) the harm withdrawal might cause to the

administration of justice; and 4) the degree to which withdrawal will delay the resolution of the case.”

CE Res., Inc. v. Magellan Grp., LLC, No. 2:08-CV-02999MCEKJM, 2009 WL 3367489, at *2 (E.D. 

Cal. Oct. 14, 2009). In addition, this matter also concerns issues regarding whether the Court should 

seek new pro bono counsel to represent Plaintiff should it grant counsel’s motion to withdraw.

To better evaluate counsel’s motion in this case, the Court requires more information from 

Plaintiff. Specifically, Plaintiff needs to inform the court (1) whether or not he believes he can 

effectively advocate for his own interests in this case; (2) if so, the specific reasons and basis for his 

ability to effectively advocate for his own interests, including for all pre-trial preparations, hearings, 

motions, and at trial; and (3) whether or not he is open to the Court attempting to locate new counsel 

to assist him, and the reasons why or why not. To mitigate any potential prejudice to Plaintiff from the 

need to explain these issues on the record, he shall serve his response to counsel’s motion in a 

declaration submitted under seal to the Court and served on his counsel. Plaintiff shall not serve the 

declaration on the Defendants or their counsel. Plaintiff shall be granted fourteen (14) days to respond 

to counsel’s motion with the information requested by the Court and any other information he believes 

Case 1:05-cv-01022-BAM Document 336 Filed 09/18/15 Page 2 of 4
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may be of assistance in evaluating counsel’s motion.

Accordingly, it is HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Within fourteen (14) days of service of this order, Plaintiff is ORDERED to file a 

declaration under seal stating: (a) whether or not he believes he can effectively 

advocate for his own interests in this case; (b) if so, the specific reasons and basis for 

his ability to effectively advocate for his own interests, including for all pre-trial 

preparations, hearings, motions, and at trial; and (c) whether or not he is open to the 

Court attempting to locate new counsel to assist him, and the reasons why or why not;

2. Plaintiff shall prominently put in the title of his declaration that it is “Submitted Under 

Seal,” shall provide a copy of this order authorizing sealing with his declaration, and 

shall state in a prominent matter “Sealed Documents” on the envelope transmitting his 

declaration, in accordance with Local Rule 141; 

3. Plaintiff shall serve his declaration on his counsel Angelina Z. Bradley, but shall not

serve or disclose it to Defendants, their counsel, or the general public;

4. Plaintiff’s declaration shall remain under seal until it is ordered unsealed by the Court;

5. Plaintiff is cautioned that he is still represented by counsel and his correspondence with 

the Court must be through counsel. The Court has ordered his filing of a declaration as 

an exceptional circumstance, but any further direct correspondence or filings by him 

will be stricken; and

6. The Clerk’s Office is DIRECTED to mail Plaintiff a copy of this order at the following 

address: 

Troas V. Barnett, E-29521

Calipatria State Prison

B1-107L

P.O. Box 5005

Calipatria, CA 92233

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: September 18, 2015 /s/ Barbara A. McAuliffe _

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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Case 1:05-cv-01022-BAM Document 336 Filed 09/18/15 Page 4 of 4