FILED
Aug 28 2024
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
General Order
AMENDED GENERAL ORDER NO. 2007-02
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
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ADOPTION OF REVISED PRO BONO ) ORDER NO. 2007-02-3
CIVIL CASE PROTOCOL )
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The Pro Bono Civil Case Protocol has been revised to reflect updated amounts and
approvals required for reimbursement of case-related expenses. The operative Pro
Bono Civil Case Protocol is set forth herein.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
FOR THE COURT
Sara Lioi
Chief Judge
LR - APPENDIX J
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
PRO BONO CIVIL CASE PROTOCOL
A. The Court encourages members of the Federal Bar to represent parties in civil actions who
cannot afford legal counsel. To further this policy, the Court has adopted a plan for expense
reimbursement as set forth below.
B. A party requesting pro bono representation shall submit an Affidavit of Need to the Clerk=s
Office, to verify that the party cannot afford legal counsel in the case. A form Affidavit of
Need, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is available from the Clerk=s Office.
C. Upon a judicial officer=s request, a case shall be referred to the Clerk’s Office Pro Bono
Department for the appointment of legal counsel. The judicial officer, through the Pro Bono
Department, shall forward the docket and filings to attorneys who have volunteered for the
Court’s pro bono panel and, within thirty (30) days, recommend a lawyer who, subject to
judicial approval, will be assigned the case.
D. Applications for reimbursement of pro bono expenses shall be submitted to the Clerk for
review and recommendation to the judicial officer to whom the case was assigned. Forms
requesting reimbursement (attached) are available at Clerk Office locations in the District
or on line.
E. The Fund may not be used to reimburse for expenses associated with the evaluation,
preparation and presentation of an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals or the
United States Supreme Court. A lawyer=s responsibility to a client continues through the
entry of judgment and the filing of a notice of appeal if the client wishes to appeal.
F. The assigned judge may approve reimbursement of expenses up to a total of $1,500 in any
case. Requests for reimbursement of expenses over $1,500 up to a total of $5,000 in any
case must be accompanied by an explanation and must be approved by the Chief Judge.
Requests for reimbursement over a total of $5,000 in any case must be approved by the
Attorney Admissions Fund Committee. All requests for reimbursement must be
accompanied by proof that the expenses were actually incurred.
G. Reimbursement is limited to the following allowable expenses:
1. Mileage and Parking. Mileage at the current rate authorized for federal employees
as well as out-of-pocket expenses for parking.
2. Photocopies and Telephone Calls. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred for
photocopying or photographs used in the case and long distance calls necessary to
the preparation of the case. Copy costs may not exceed 15¢ per page.
3. Depositions and Transcripts. Court reporter attendance fees for depositions of
essential witnesses and transcription fees for such depositions. Transcript costs
may not exceed the page rate for ordinary transcripts established in the District.
4. Investigative or Expert Services. Investigative or expert services which are
necessary to the preparation of the case if approved in advance by the judicial
officer to whom the case is assigned.
5. Service of Process Fees. Fees for service of papers and the appearance of lay
witnesses at depositions and their mileage fees.
6. Interpreter Services. The cost of interpreter services if approved in advance by the
judicial officer to whom the case is assigned.
7. Expert Fees. The cost of expert fees if approved in advance by the judicial officer
to whom the case is assigned.
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H. Request for reimbursement from the Fund must be filed within thirty (30) days of entry of
judgment. If the lawyer has withdrawn or been dismissed prior to the entry of judgment,
the request must be filed within thirty (30) days of withdrawal or dismissal.
I. Amounts reimbursed must be repaid to the Fund if the case is settled with the payment of
money, if fees and costs are awarded under 28 U.S.C. § 1988 or any other fee shifting
statute, or if the party is awarded sufficient monetary damages.
J. Volunteer attorneys are eligible to receive continuing legal education (CLE) credit through
the Ohio Supreme Court. Volunteer attorneys may receive one hour of CLE credit for
every six hours of pro bono legal service performed, up to a maximum of six CLE credit
hours per biennial compliance period. For each assigned pro bono case, attorneys must
submit one Form 23 to the Clerk’s Office Pro Bono Department by December 31 of each
calendar year in which services have been rendered. Form 23 is located on the Ohio
Supreme Court website.
Last revised: 8/28/2024
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Exhibit A
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
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Plaintiff ) CASE NO.
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v. ) JUDGE
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) AFFIDAVIT OF NEED
Defendant )
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1. I request the Court to appoint counsel to represent me in this case pro bono (at no cost to
me).
2. My household income does not exceed 200% of the current applicable Federal Poverty
Guidelines.
3. I lack assets sufficient to afford legal representation in this case.
4. I will notify the Court and my appointed counsel if my financial condition materially
changes before completion of this case.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Date: ______________ _________________________________________
Plaintiff/Defendant
_________________________________________
Address
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