Stephanie Lewis v. Precision Optics, Inc.

Stephanie Lewis, a black woman, brought this action alleging that Precision Optics, Inc., had refused to hire her because of her race in violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 2000e et seq. The district court permitted Lewis to proceed in forma pauperis and appointed counsel. The case was tried to the court which held that Lewis had failed to prove discrimination. After the opinion was issued, a dispute occurred between Lewis and her appointed counsel. On counsel’s request, the court permitted him to withdraw. It declined to appoint other counsel for Lewis. The dispute involved the payment of…