this court, to ensure that the court can recruit counsel in every case in which the law requires it. Despite the
publication of this proposed Rule, it is the court’s goal to provide representation to indigent litigants, when
needed, by way of volunteer counsel. The court will rely on the Obligatory Panel only when efforts to find
volunteer counsel fall short.
To summarize the process, subject to certain exemptions, attorneys who have appeared in the threshold
number of cases in the preceding calendar year will be drawn upon to populate the “Obligatory Panel.”
Attorneys will be assigned a quarter during which they will be eligible for recruitment, and will be notified of the
“duty” quarter well in advance.
For each case in which it is determined recruited counsel is required, initial efforts will be made to obtain
volunteer counsel. If a motion to appoint counsel is granted, the case will be posted on the “Pro Bono
Opportunities” section of the court's website (http://www.insd.uscourts.gov/pro-bono-opportunities). Periodic
emails will be sent to Voluntary Panel members asking them to consider taking a listed case. Any attorney
admitted to practice in this district may register to participate in the Voluntary Panel. Periodic emails will be sent
to the Obligatory Panel members that are “on call,” asking for volunteers. If no one volunteers, the assigned judge
will select an individual to appoint from that quarter’s list of attorneys.
The court is committed to utilizing limited appointments when appropriate to pull attorneys into the most
critical parts of cases (e.g., exhaustion of administrative remedies), then releasing counsel from the case (unless
counsel prefers to stay engaged).
Note: Amended July 1, 2024, to eliminate provision for prepayment of expenses.
CRIMINAL RULES
