Deakin v. Herman Pearl Company, 2:25-cv-00839

Plaintiff Jessica Renee Deakin filed suit against her former employer, Herman Pearl Company d/b/a Andover Brands, alleging discrimination under Title VII and the ADA.
Deakin claims she was terminated due to her disability following a car accident, despite initial assurances that her job was secure during her recovery.
Plaintiff alleges that her termination was based on her request for accommodations, while asserting that the employer had accommodated other employees’ disabilities.
Deakin received a right-to-sue notice from the EEOC and has made substantial efforts to secure legal representation, which have been unsuccessful due to financial constraints and attorneys’ workloads.
Plaintiff is proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis and has requested the court to appoint counsel from the Pro Bono Panel.
The court is considering this motion to appoint counsel in light of plaintiff’s financial situation, her efforts to secure counsel, and the plausible merits of her discrimination claims.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Appointment of Counsel in Title VII/ADA Case	Deakin has diligently sought representation, cannot afford counsel, and presents plausible claims	(Not stated in opinion)	Court directs Clerk to seek pro bono counsel for Deakin

Johnson v. U.S. Dep't of Treasury, 939 F.2d 820 (9th Cir. 1991) (Sets forth three-factor test for appointment of counsel in Title VII actions: financial resources, efforts to secure counsel, and merit of the claim)