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Community / Pro Bono Case Cost Fund
In January of 2003, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan adopted a ÒPro Bono PlanÓ for the appointment of counsel in civil cases. The Plan was developed through a common commitment by the Court and the Western District Federal Bar Association (ÒWDFBAÓ) to address issues facing the poor and unrepresented in the Court.
Magistrate Judge Greeley supervises and oversees the program for the Court. Twenty-three attorneys, recruited by the WDFBA, are presently participating in the program as panel attorneys. When a judge determines that pro bono counsel should be appointed in a particular case, the matter is referred to Magistrate Judge Greeley. A panel attorney is selected and appointed by Magistrate Judge Greeley. Counsel have been appointed in all cases where a request has been made. The WDFBA has provided some training on litigating prisoner cases.
Included in the program is a fund to enable discovery and defray other expenses. The fund was established with grants from the Court and the WDFBA and is administered through the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Magistrate Judge Greeley and two members of the Bar Association oversee the fund. All requests for reimbursement from the fund have been granted. Advances are possible.
The Pro Bono Plan can be accessed at the CourtÕs web page at www.miwd.uscourts.gov. Attorneys who wish to participate in the program should contact Judge Greeley at
(906)226-3854.
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