The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is seeking volunteer attorneys to represent incarcerated individual in civil rights cases filed with the Court.

Civil rights cases filed by incarcerated individuals in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania present challenges for both the unrepresented litigants and the court. Because many of these cases implicate disputes over material issues of fact, they may proceed to civil jury trials.

To assist the Court and the parties in trying these cases, the Court seeks pro bono representation for incarcerated plaintiffs in selected cases. In most of these cases the Court will not appoint a volunteer lawyer until it has been determined that there are triable issues, dispositive motions have been ruled upon, and the case is ready for trial.

In addition to aiding the court and providing an opportunity for public service, these cases are especially appropriate for lawyers who might otherwise not have the experience of trying a civil case to a jury in federal court.

If you are interested in assisting the Court in this endeavor or have any questions, please send an email to PAWD_Pro_Bono@pawd.uscourts.gov.