Handschu v. Special Serv. Div.

Background

Jethro M. Eisenstein, identified as plaintiffs’ class counsel, sent the court an August 4, 2023 letter requesting the appointment of additional counsel for the plaintiff class under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(g). The letter stated that attorney Paul Chevigny had retired and that Eisenstein and his colleagues, Robert Eisenberg and Michael Stolar, were advancing in age. It also noted that the case would continue into the future as long as New York City maintained a police force.

Requested Attorneys

Eisenstein proposed three attorneys: Perry Grossman, Daniel Lambright, and Gideon Orion Oliver. The opinion states that each was a member of the New York Bar and the bar of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The court considered their credentials, relevant experience, and knowledge of applicable law.

Ruling

The court treated Eisenstein’s letter as a motion to appoint additional class counsel and granted that motion. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(g)(1) and (4), the court appointed Grossman, Lambright, and Oliver as additional counsel for the plaintiff class. Each was directed to enter an appearance for the plaintiffs promptly. The order was signed by Senior United States District Judge Charles S. Haight, Jr.