In Re: Anjelu Sajetta

Opinion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK ---------------------------------------------------------------------- X : ANJELU SAJETTA, : : Plaintiff, : 25-CV-2574 (JAV) : -v- : ORDER : CITY OF NEW YORK, et al., : : Defendants. : ---------------------------------------------------------------------- X JEANNETTE A. VARGAS, United States District Judge: On July 1, 2025, Plaintiff submitted an application for counsel. See Docket No. 11. In determining whether to grant an application for counsel, the Court must consider “the merits of plaintiff’s case, the plaintiff’s ability to pay for private counsel, his efforts to obtain a lawyer, the availability of counsel, and the plaintiff’s ability to gather the facts and deal with the issues if unassisted by counsel.” Cooper v. A. Sargenti Co., Inc., 877 F.2d 170, 172 (2d Cir. 1989) (per curiam). As a threshold matter, in order to qualify for counsel Plaintiff must demonstrate that the claim had “substance” or “some chance of success.” See Ferrelli v. River Manor Health Care Center, 323 F.3d 196, 204 (2d Cir. 2003) (quotation marks and citation omitted). In reviewing a request for counsel, the Court must be cognizant of the fact that volunteer attorney time is a precious commodity and, thus, should not grant a request for counsel indiscriminately. Cooper, 877 F.2d at 172. A more fully developed record will be necessary before it can be determined whether Plaintiff’s chances of success warrant his request for counsel. Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that the application for of counsel is denied without prejudice to renewal at such time as the existence of a potentially meritorious claim may be demonstrated. The Clerk of the Court is directed to terminate ECF No. 11. SO ORDERED. a □□ . af , Dated: July 21, 2025 JB 7 Lg 126g New York, New York JEANNETTE A. VARGAS ~~ United States District Judge