Plaintiff, who is incarcerated at Highlands County Jail, brings one claim of malicious prosecution against a Detective from the Highlands County Sheriffs Department. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
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Plaintiffs, Michael and Cheryl Lica, claim that they are entitled to a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in connection with their 2011 tax return. Plaintiffs allege that they attempted, but failed, to obtain relief directly through the IRS, which Plaintiffs allege “has maintained that the Plaintiffs’ claims of refund were untimely when they clearly were not.” In total, Plaintiffs seek a refund of $10,732.96. Plaintiffs filed the currently pending Amended Complaint on March 9, 2022. No defendants have been served with process. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Pro se Plaintiff Alex Knight filed this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action against Miami Police Department officers for false arrest and illegal search, alleging that the officers falsified probable cause to obtain a search warrant of his residence. The Court allowed Plaintiff to proceed with his claims against two officers, and Defendants have filed an Answer. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Plaintiff, an inmate at Blackwater River Correctional Institution, filed a Complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaining of civil rights violations. Plaintiff complains of Eighth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment violations committed by corrections officers at Dade Correctional Institution while he was incarcerated there. This civil rights complaint was screened and allowed to proceed on Plaintiff’s excessive force and deliberate indifference claims against certain Defendants in their individual capacities.
The discovery period closed on May 21, 2022. Plaintiff seeks counsel immediately as he files discovery motions, responds to outstanding discovery requests, and prepares for a Discovery hearing set for June 8, 2022. A trial date has not yet been set. Volunteer representation would entail representing Plaintiff during all proceedings, including the settlement conference, and at trial, if necessary. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Defendant David Rutstein is the owner of National Association of Accredited Insurance Professionals (NAAIP) and resides in Jerusalem, Israel. Plaintiff Family First Life, LLC brings claims against David Rutstein and NAAIP, among others, for violation of the Lanham Act, violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, common law unfair competition, tortious interference with business relationships, libel per se and defamation, and civil conspiracy. Plaintiff alleges that David Rutstein has disseminated false and disparaging comments about it and has engaged in the unlicensed practice of insurance. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Plaintiff Joshua Henkel is appealing the denial of his claim for disability insurance benefits by the Social Security Administration. Plaintiff claims disability due to spinal arthritis, high blood pressure, and bipolar disorder. Prior to the onset of his alleged disability, Plaintiff worked as a merchant mariner chief steward. The volunteer attorney who takes this case will have the opportunity to prepare a motion for summary judgment, respond to briefing by the United States Attorney’s Office, and present oral arguments to the Court. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Plaintiff Kenyatta Harmon brings this 1983 action against several Miami Beach police officers alleging excessive use of force. Plaintiff alleges that the officers, after restraining him in handcuffs and placing him face-down on the ground, delivered multiple closed fist strikes to his head, rib cage, and face. Plaintiff claims to have suffered abrasions on his head and face, a busted lip, and a swollen jaw. Plaintiff further claims to suffer from mental distress, problems sleeping, headaches, and blurred vision. He has received medical treatment at various hospitals and prison medical departments since the incident. Plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Defendant Mindy Rutstein is an individual who resides in Jerusalem, Israel. Plaintiff Family First Life, LLC brings claims against Mindy Rutstein, her father (David Rutstein), and others for violation of the Lanham Act, violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, common law unfair competition, tortious interference with business relationships, libel per se and defamation, and civil conspiracy. Plaintiff alleges that Mindy Rutstein has disseminated false and disparaging comments about it and its insurance practices. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov
Plaintiff, Sonnfred Baptiste, is in need of a volunteer attorney to represent him in his lawsuit seeking a writ of mandamus against Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States; Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security; and UR M. Jaddou, Director for Citizenship and Immigration Services. Plaintiff alleges that his Application for Certificate of Citizenship was initially denied but, following an appeal, was approved by the Department of Homeland Security in December 2020 and again in October 2021. However, Plaintiff has not yet received his certificate of citizenship or a notice advising him of the date of his Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Plaintiff seeks de novo review of his citizenship application or, alternatively, a writ of mandamus requiring the Department of Homeland Security to adjudicate his citizenship application so that he can be issued his certificate of citizenship. Any interested volunteer attorney should email mcaliley@flsd.uscourts.gov
Plaintiff Roy L. Varnier was previously incarcerated at Dade Correctional Institution. While incarcerated at Dade C.I., Plaintiff slipped and fell on a wet floor, breaking his fibula and ankle. Plaintiff alleges that the Chief Health Officer of Dade C.I., Defendant Dr. Franck Papillon, misdiagnosed Plaintiff’s broken bones, refused to provide Plaintiff with a wheelchair, repeatedly denied Plaintiff’s request for more effective pain medication, disregarded the post-operative treatment instructions from the surgeon who eventually operated on Plaintiff, and prematurely removed staples from Plaintiff’s ankle—causing an infection and requiring Plaintiff to undergo another surgery. Plaintiff claims that Defendant was deliberate indifferent to his serious medical needs, in violation of the Eighth Amendment, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. If interested, please email FLSD_ProBono@flsd.uscourts.gov