Russell v. Department of Education

187 F. App'x 739

Opinion

MEMORANDUM

*

Appellants Alexa and George W. Russell (the “Russells”) appeal the district court’s dismissal of their complaint against, inter alia, the State of Hawaii’s Department of Education for violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (“IDEA”), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1041 et seq. We have jurisdiction over this appeal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and remand this case to the district court for additional proceedings.

The parties are familiar with the facts of this case, which we do not recite in detail. The district court granted appellees’ motion to dismiss, holding that appellants must retain counsel in order to bring a claim under the IDEA. The appellants, still pro se, pursued an appeal. After briefing was completed, appellants obtained counsel, who submitted several letters citing to supplemental authorities pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 28(j) and appeared on their behalf at oral argument. During argument, appellants’ counsel indicated he would not likely be able to continue to represent his clients on remand.

At this point, the parties have not joined issue on many of the crucial arguments in this case. Moreover, it is unclear whether the district court adequately considered appellants’ entitlement to counsel under the in forma pauperis statute. See 28 . Although the district court granted appellants in forma paupers status with respect to fees, there is no indication of a ruling on appellants’ request for appointment of counsel.

We remand to the district court with instructions to reinstate the complaint and to determine whether to appoint counsel for appellants or grant leave and adequate time for the Russells to find new counsel.

REMANDED for proceedings consistent with this disposition.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.