Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-01394/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-01394-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 28:1331 Fed. Question

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- 1 - 08cv1394

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KARL T. LIMPIN

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 08cv1394 JM (RBB)

ORDER GRANTING LEAVE TO

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS;

DENYING MOTION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL;

REFERRING MATTER TO UNITED

STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

vs.

MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of

Social Security,

Defendant.

Plaintiff Karl T. Limpin brings this action on behalf of himself, and other similarly situated

individuals, alleging that the Commissioner improperly calculates certain Supplemental Security

Income and Title II disability insurance benefits. Plaintiff moves for leave to proceed in forma

pauperis and for appointment of counsel.

Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis

Plaintiff moves for leave to prosecute this action without the prepayment of fees. Plaintiff

declares that he is unemployed, possesses no significant asset, and receives limited disability income

from the Social Security Administration. Consequently, the court grants Plaintiff’s motion to proceed

in forma pauperis.

Motion for Appointment of Counsel

Plaintiff requests the appointment of counsel to assist him in prosecuting this case. The

Constitution provides no right to appointment of counsel in a civil case unless an indigent litigant may

lose his physical liberty if he loses the litigation. See Lassiter v. Dept. of Social Services, 452 U.S.

Case 3:08-cv-01394-JM-RBB Document 4 Filed 08/05/08 Page 1 of 2
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- 2 - 08cv1394

18, 25 (1981). Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), however, district courts are granted discretion to

appoint counsel for indigent persons under “exceptional circumstances.” Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d

1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991). “A finding of exceptional circumstances requires an evaluation of both

the ‘likelihood of success on the merits and the ability of the plaintiff to articulate [her] claims pro se

in light of the complexity of the legal issues involved.’ Neither of these issues is dispositive and both

must be viewed together before reaching a decision.’” Id. (quoting Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d

1328, 1331 (9th Cir. 1986)).

Here, it appears that plaintiff has a sufficient grasp of his case, the legal issues involved, and

is able to adequately articulate the basis of her complaint. Under these circumstances, the Court

denies plaintiff’s request for appointment of counsel because it is not warranted by the interests of

justice. LaMere v. Risley, 827 F.2d 622, 626 (9th Cir. 1987).

Referral to Magistrate Judge

All matters arising in this social security appeal are hereby referred to United States Magistrate

Judge Reuben Brooks for a report and recommendation in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B)

and Local Rule 72.1(c)(1)(c). When the parties seek to file a motion for summary judgment in this

case, the parties shall contact the chambers of Magistrate Judge Brooks to secure scheduling, filing

and/or hearing dates. Both parties are advised that all motions for summary judgment must be filed

and served no later than 90 days from the filing date of the answer. Failure to do so may result in

dismissal of this action or entry of default.

In sum, the court grants the motion to proceed in forma pauperis, denies the motion for

appointment of counsel, and refers this matter to Magistrate Judge Brooks. The Clerk of Court is

instructed to serve a copy of this order and Plaintiff’s complaint on the United States Attorney or

authorized representative.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: August 5, 2008

 Hon. Jeffrey T. Miller

 United States District Judge

cc: All parties

Case 3:08-cv-01394-JM-RBB Document 4 Filed 08/05/08 Page 2 of 2