Hamlett’s pro se action against defendant correctional officers asserted 42 USC §1983 claims of excessive force, retaliation, and violations of due process. Hamlett sought appointment of pro bono counsel.

Finding John Hamlett indigent, and that the factors set out by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in its 1986 decision in Hodge v. Police Officers ran in his favor, Judge Nelson Román of the Southern District of New York granted Hamlett’s request for pro bono counsel.