This is a notice of an opportunity to provide pro bono representation in a case ready to be set for jury trial in Pensacola. The case is Ruiz v. Shaner, Case No. 3:12cv488/MCR/CJK.

Plaintiff, an inmate in the Florida Department of Corrections, currently incarcerated at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, seeks relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against three corrections officers as a result of an allegedly unconstitutional use of force during his incarceration, resulting in serious bodily injury. Plaintiff alleges that while he was in custody at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Officers Martillano and Carter assaulted him on January 5, 2012, at Lt. Shaner’s request.

Public funds are not available for payment of attorney’s fees. Fees may be recoverable under applicable law if plaintiff ultimately prevails. See 42 U.S.C. § 1988. Limited funds sometimes are available from the district’s Bench and Bar Fund for payment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by attorneys providing representation of this type.

Members of the district’s bar will be afforded access to the electronic docket without charge for the purpose of considering whether to undertake the representation. Any attorney who wishes to provide representation should contact plaintiff directly and may enter the case by filing a notice of appearance. If counsel appears, the court will hold a scheduling conference by telephone and will consider what discovery, if any, is indicated.

Any attorney who wishes to appear should file a notice of appearance by November 22, 2017.