This is a notice of an opportunity to provide pro bono representation in the case of Cooper v. Doe, Case No. 4:18-cv-371-MW/MJF.
Plaintiff is a prisoner in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections alleging that ten Defendants violated his rights under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Plaintiff alleges that after he was placed in restraints, Defendants proceeded to kick, punch, and hit Plaintiff with a magnetometer wand until he lost consciousness. He also asserts that Defendants attempted to break his wrists. (Doc. 12).
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(b); World Outreach Conference Ctr. v. City of Chicago, 234 F. Supp. 3d 904 (N.D. Ill. 2017). Limited funds sometimes are available from the District’s Bench and Bar Fund for the payment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by an attorney 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. An attorney who wishes to provide representation may contact Plaintiff directly and may enter the case by filing a notice of appearance. Plaintiff is currently confined at Franklin Correctional Institution in Carrabelle, Florida.