Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_07-cv-01239/USCOURTS-cand-5_07-cv-01239-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 443
Nature of Suit: Civil Rights Accommodations
Cause of Action: 42:405 Fair Housing Act

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Case No. C 07-1239 JF

ORDER REFERRING ACTION TO FEDERAL PRO BONO PROJECT

(JFLC1)

**Original Filed 4/20/2007**

NOT FOR CITATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SAN JOSE DIVISION

CATHY ENWERE,

 Plaintiff,

 v.

TERMAN APARTMENTS, LP, d/b/a G & K

Management Co.

 Defendant.

Case Number C 07-1239 JF

ORDER REFERRING ACTION TO 1

FEDERAL PRO BONO PROJECT

[re: docket no. 10]

On March 1, 2007, Plaintiff, proceeding pro se, filed a complaint alleging racial

discrimination in housing. The complaint consists of factual allegations in narrative form. The

crux of Plaintiff’s allegations is that she made an appointment to see an apartment, but that when

she arrived for the appointment and Defendant became aware of her race, Defendant refused to

show her the apartment. On March 16, 2007, Plaintiff moved for the appointment of counsel. In

exceptional circumstances, the Court has discretion to request counsel to provide pro bono

representation to a plaintiff proceeding in forma pauperis. Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015,

Case 5:07-cv-01239-JF Document 11 Filed 04/20/07 Page 1 of 3
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Case No. C 07-1239 JF

ORDER REFERRING ACTION TO FEDERAL PRO BONO PROJECT

(JFLC1)

1017 (9th Cir. 1991). A finding of exceptional circumstances requires an evaluation of (1) the

likelihood that the plaintiff’s claims will succeed on the merits and (2) the ability of the plaintiff

to articulate his or her claims pro se in light of the complexity of the legal issues involved. Id.

The Court concludes that it should request the appointment of pro bono counsel. It

appears that Plaintiff’s claims may have merit and that Plaintiff has a limited ability to bring

these claims pro se. Accordingly, Plaintiff’s case will be referred to the Federal Pro Bono

Project, which will endeavor to locate an attorney willing to represent Plaintiff. The Clerk of the

Court is directed to send a copy of the file to the Federal Pro Bono Project, attention Elizabeth

Strickland, 4 North Second Street, Suite 400, San Jose, CA 95113.

Plaintiff is advised that she remains responsible for litigating this action, complying with

all Court orders, and appearing for all scheduled hearings until such time as the Federal Pro Bono

Project locates an attorney to represent Plaintiff. Plaintiff further is advised that the Federal Pro

Bono Project might not be able to locate an attorney willing to represent Plaintiff, in which case

Plaintiff will be required to continue litigating the action herself or retain counsel at her own

expense.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: April 20, 2007.

 

JEREMY FOGEL

United States District Judge

Case 5:07-cv-01239-JF Document 11 Filed 04/20/07 Page 2 of 3
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Case No. C 07-1239 JF

ORDER REFERRING ACTION TO FEDERAL PRO BONO PROJECT

(JFLC1)

This Order has been served upon the following persons:

Cathy Enwere

1263 Madura Ave.

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Case 5:07-cv-01239-JF Document 11 Filed 04/20/07 Page 3 of 3