LaLiberte v. FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc.

Background

Charles A. LaLiberte requested court-appointed counsel. The order explains that civil litigants generally do not have a constitutional or statutory right to appointed counsel, but the court may request an attorney for someone who cannot afford one. The court considers the factual and legal complexity of the case and the person’s ability to present the claims.

LaLiberte had filed his own complaint and other initial filings. He also filed a motion asking to certify a legal question to the Minnesota Supreme Court. At the time of the order, he needed to respond to FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc.’s motion to dismiss, which was set for a July 30, 2024 hearing.

Court’s reasoning

The court found that LaLiberte could write out his thoughts, but that the legal issues were sufficiently complex that LaLiberte, FedEx, and the court would benefit from LaLiberte discussing the matter with counsel.

Ruling

Judge Jerry W. Blackwell granted LaLiberte’s request for counsel in part. The court ordered that a letter referring LaLiberte to the Pro Se Project for possible consultation with a volunteer attorney would be issued separately. The court also extended LaLiberte’s deadline to respond to FedEx’s motion to dismiss to July 9, 2024. The order did not state that counsel had been appointed or that a volunteer attorney would accept the consultation.