Gamble Williams v. Boston Police Department et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
THEODORE GAMBLE-WILLIAMS, 	)
)
Plaintiff, 	)
) 	Civil Action
v. 	) 	No. 24-10701-PBS
)
CITY OF BOSTON, et al., 	)
)
Defendants. 	)
ORDER
March 2, 2026
SARIS, D.J.
On February 2, 2026, the Court ordered plaintiff, who is
proceeding pro se, to complete service of the amended complaint
on defendant Margaret Ricard by April 12, 2026. 	(Doc. No. 48).
Pursuant to the in forma pauperis statute, the Court “may
request an attorney to represent any person unable to afford
counsel.” 	28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). 	The allowance of a motion to
appoint counsel does not mean that the litigant is guaranteed
appointment of pro bono counsel. 	Rather, it means that the
Court will, pursuant to the Court’s Plan for Appointment of
Counsel for Indigent Parties in Civil Cases, contact those
attorneys who have expressed interest in representing litigants
without compensation.
Here, plaintiff has already been granted leave to proceed
in forma pauperis. 	However, he has not moved for appointment of
Case 1:24-cv-10701-PBS Document 56 Filed 03/02/26 Page 1 of 2

2
counsel. 	In considering whether to grant a party’s request for
counsel, the Court considers the party’s financial status,
ability to represent himself, the complexity of the legal
issues, and the totality of circumstances. 	See DesRosiers v.
Moran, 949 F.2d 15, 23-24 (1st Cir. 1991).
To the extent plaintiff seeks to have this Court appoint
counsel in this case, he shall, on or before March 31, 2026,
file a motion for appointment of counsel.
SO ORDERED.
/s/ Patti B. Saris _________
PATTI B. SARIS
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Case 1:24-cv-10701-PBS Document 56 Filed 03/02/26 Page 2 of 2