Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-00431/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-00431-14/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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MASA NATHANIEL WARDEN

COWAN, et al,

2:19-cv-00431-TLN-AC

Brian C. McComas

Nov 18, 2020

Allison Claire

(See Declaration)

1,200.00

Aug 25 23 San Francisco

Case 2:19-cv-00431-TLN-AC Document 99 Filed 09/01/23 Page 1 of 5
2:19-cv-00431-TLN-AC

$11,975 Expert Witnesses (use of force) $0

$1,200 Deposition transcripts

$1200 for deposition transcripts

X

for Allison Claire

08/31/2023

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BRIAN C. McCOMAS

California SBN 273161

The Law Office of B.C. McComas, LLP

PMB 1605, 77 Van Ness Ave., Ste. 101

San Francisco, CA 94102

Telephone: (415) 814-2465

Facsimile: (415) 520-2310

Email: mccomas.b.c@mccomasllp.com

Attorney for Plaintiff

MASA NATHANIEL WARDEN 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO DIVISION

)

MASA NATHANIEL WARDEN )

)

 )

)

Plaintiff, )

)

v. )

)

)

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COWAN, et al, )

)

Defendant. )

)

___________________________________)

Case No. 2:19-cv-00431-TLN-AC

DECLARATION OF COUNSEL IN

SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF’S EX PARTE

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION OF

FEES AND EXPENSES FOR

TRANSCRIPTIONIST SERVICES AT

DEPOSITIONS

The Honorable Judge Troy L. Nunley

I, Brian C. McComas, declare:

1. I am an attorney licensed to practice in the States of California and

Idaho, and authorized to appear before the United States District Courts for the Northern,

Eastern, and Central Districts of California, and District of Idaho; the United States Court

of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the United States Supreme Court. I have also been

admitted to practice pro hac vice before the United States District Court for the District of

Nevada and the Montana Supreme Court and its Sentence Review Division. I own and

operate the Law Office of B.C. McComas, LLP.

2. I have been appointed by this Court to represent Plaintiff, Masa Nathaniel

Warden. Doc #55. This is a pro bono appointment. Plaintiff alleges that the Defendants

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used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment by shooting him more than a

dozen times while he laid on the ground without a gun. Docs #13, 15.

3. The court has ordered the parties to file a joint trial readiness statement.

As part of that submission, I am submitting this declaration because expert services will be

necessary at trial. Mr. Warden has been granted $11,975 previously for the services of Mr.

Ditmars, Mr. Defoe, and Mr. Lopez. I believe that the requested authorization of funds is

necessary. See General Order 558. I have done all things possible to reduce the cost of the

expenses sought herein.

PROPOSED TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES

4. Craig Wood Reporting is a Licensed California Certified Shorthand Reporter

since 1992. We have arranged to depose each of the four defendants in line with the

Court's discovery orders. We are doing so remotely via Zoom in order to reduce costs. 

However, we do need a transcriptionist to attend remotely as well in order to be able to

later obtain transcripts of the depositions. We will then seek funding for the transcripts

through the California Board for Transcripts.

5. Craig Wood Reporting is paid $300 per appearance. We have scheduled 4

depositions. Accordingly, I am requesting $1,200. 

CONCLUSION

6. I am submitting this request for further expenses for transcription services

because I believe that it is necessary to litigate this matter through trial. I have conferred

with the Pro Bono Panel and resource counsel in reaching that determination. I will request

authorization of additional expenses as necessary to present Mr. Warden’s case at trial.

7. In sum, I request authorization of $1,200 in fees and expenses for

transcription services necessary to prepare for trial. If possible, not all of the funds

requested for authorization will be expended. I will seek reimbursement only for actual

expenses based upon complete documentation following the conclusion of the services of

Craig Wood Reporting. I believe these services are necessary to competently represent Mr.

Warden in a manner that conforms with my ethical and constitutional obligations as his

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counsel.

I declare under penalty of perjury, as defined by the laws of California and 

the United States, that the foregoing is true and correct, and that this declaration was

executed in San Francisco, California.

Dated: August 25, 2022 /s/ Brian C. McComas 

BRIAN C. McCOMAS

 Attorney for Plaintiff

MASA NATHANIEL WARDEN

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