Bernhardt v. County of Los Angeles, et al.

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Docket No. 02-56412
Lower Court Docket No. CV 99-10121-JSL

Angela Bernhardt was a victim of civil rights abuse by deputies of the County of Los Angeles, but she could not get a lawyer to represent her. She filed a civil rights lawsuit in pro per seeking to enjoin the County's policy of entering into only "lump sum, including all attorney's fees" settlements, which she claimed prevented her from obtaining a lawyer. The district court denied her the injunction. This appeal followed. On August 5, 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the district court and ordered entry of an injunction limited to Bernhardt's case so that she can now obtain a lawyer. The parties' appellate briefs and the decision are linked below.

Appellant's Opening Brief

Appellees' Brief

Appellant's Reply Brief

Argument Date: June 20, 2003

Argument Time: 10 am

Courtroom: No. 1

Panel: Raymond C. Fisher, Robert Boochever, and Stephen R. Reinhardt
Argument was held at
U.S. Court of Appeals
125 South Grand Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105-1652
Driving Directions to Courthouse

Decided: August 5, 2003

The Decision

For case information through the Ninth Circuit's Automated Voice Information Service, dial (415) 556-8211

Plaintiff-Appellant's Attorney
Michael R. Mitchell
20300 Ventura Boulevard, No. 317
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone (818) 887-7100
FAX (818) 887-0010
Email: mitchel4@ix.netcom.com

Defendants-Appellees' Attorneys
Lauren M. Black, Deputy County Counsel
648 Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2713
Email: lblack@counsel.co.la.ca.us

Go to Mitchell Home Page