Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-02303/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-02303-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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United States District Court

Northern District of California

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SAN JOSE DIVISION

MAX LOUMENA,

Plaintiff,

v.

LESLIE NICHOLS, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 15-cv-02303-BLF 

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

On May 21, 2015, Plaintiff M.L. filed a Complaint in this matter seeking relief from a state 

court decision. See ECF No. 1. According to Plaintiff’s Complaint, Plaintiff is a minor. Compl. 

at ¶ 3. 

Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(c), a minor cannot file a lawsuit in his own name. The Court’s 

records do not indicate that a motion for appointment of a guardian ad litem has been filed. In 

addition, the Court notes that M.L.’s representative, if and when appointed, must retain an attorney 

for M.L.’s benefit. Johns v. Cnty. of San Diego, 114 F.3d 874, 876 (9th Cir. 1997) (“[W]e hold 

that [a guardian] cannot bring an action on behalf of a minor child without retaining a lawyer.”).

Accordingly, the Court ORDERS Plaintiff to show cause with the following instructions:

(1) On or before August 21, 2015, an individual qualified to represent M.L.’s interests, 

shall file an administrative motion pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-11 for appointment 

of a guardian ad litem. The motion should identify the individual seeking to become 

M.L.’s representative for the purposes of this case and explain why that individual is a 

suitable representative.

Case 5:15-cv-02303-BLF Document 20 Filed 07/28/15 Page 1 of 2
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United States District Court

Northern District of California

(2) If the Court approves the appointment of the guardian ad litem, on or before 

September 21, 2015, an attorney retained by the guardian ad litem to represent M.L.’s 

interests shall file a Notice of Appearance.

Plaintiff is notified that failure to comply with this Order by filing or causing to be filed the 

documents identified above, or failure to otherwise show good cause in writing for such a failure 

by either deadline, will result in the dismissal of this matter without prejudice.

IT IS ORDERED.

Dated: July 27, 2015

______________________________________

BETH LABSON FREEMAN

United States District Judge

Case 5:15-cv-02303-BLF Document 20 Filed 07/28/15 Page 2 of 2