Resources

C4C, Inc was incorporated as an advocacy group to address race discrimination in federal sector. Over recent years, we recognize the challenges both federal employees and non-federal employees face when opposing injustice in the workplace. For this reason, we have provided information on this page for those who are seeking information on how to file an employment lawsuit. Links shared are for information only. The C4C does not provide legal advice. This page will be updated occasionally for those seeking to represent themselves pro se.

The Civil Cover Sheet Each civil action must also include a completed civil cover sheet (JS 44) to assist the Clerk’s Office in processing your civil action. All federal district courts use a standard civil cover sheet (JS 44), which includes instructions on how to complete the form. You can also contact or visit the Clerk’s Office for assistance in completing this form. For additional information, review the Instructions for Filing a Civil Action on Your Own Behalf.

Sample Cover Sheet
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/js044.pdf
https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/sites/mdd/files/forms/CivilCoverSheet.pdf

aCTUAL cIVIL cOVER sHEET W/ COMPLAINT fILED IN u.S. DISTRICT COURT

In General. Forms available on our website illustrate some information that are useful to have in complaints and some other pleadings. The forms do not try to cover every case. They are limited to cases often filed in federal courts by those who represent themselves or who may not have much experience in federal courts.

Not Legal Advice. No form provides legal advice. No form substitutes for having or consulting a lawyer. If you are not a lawyer and are suing or have been sued, it is best to have or consult a lawyer if possible.

Sample Court Complaints
warner_complaint.pdf
complaint_dion_lee.pdf
complaint_sample_1.pdf
complaint_sample_2.pdf
complaint_mccray.pdf
complaint_juanita.pdf
emanuel_complaint__1_.pdf
complaint_sample_3.pdf
menoken_amended_complaint.pdf
dwill_amend_complaint.pdf
peer-complaint.pdf
jhobbs_complaint.pdf

clayborne_complaint.pdf
eeoc_complaint.pdf
amartin_complaint.pdf
ransom_complaint.pdf
dwill_complaint.pdf
https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/complaint-a-civil-case

Sample Illustration of Complaint Filed in Court: Plaintiff Diane R. Williams (Williams v Dodaro)

PACER
PACER, or Public Access to Court Electronic Records, is a service that provides electronic public access to federal court records. It allows users to access over 1 billion documents filed in all federal courts, facilitating greater public understanding of the court system. PACER is designed to provide the broadest possible access to court records and is part of the federal Judiciary's efforts to enhance transparency Anyone can access PACER to view federal court records, but first you need to register for a PACER account.

Case information is available through PACER 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Each court maintains its own case information. If you know the district or circuit in which the case is filed, search that court directly. If you do not know where the case is filed, use the PACER Case Locator. The PACER Service Center is open to assist you at (800) 676-6856 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or by email at pacer@psc.uscourts.gov.

FEDERAL WORKERS
Learn the basics --The ABCs of the How to File a Federal EEO Complaint process is available on Amazon. Federal workers should learn the EEO complaint process as much as possible before filing a complaint of discrimination against the nation's largest employer in the United States.

NON-FEDERAL WORKERS
"EMPOWERED: What YOU Need to Know When Filing an Employment Discrimination Charge With the EEOC" is a comprehensive guide designed to help employees in the private sector, local government and state government navigate the complexities of filing a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The Clean Record Settlements And The Law is a document prepared by the Merit Systems Protection Board. The MSPB is available for federal workers facing adverse action case. However, this resourceful document can benefit workers in the private sector, state government or local government as well.

For the purpose of this report, a clean record provision is a term in a Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA) under which the agency is obligated to change, remove, or withhold potentially negative information about an individual in exchange for the resolution of employment-related claims against the agency. NSAs with clean record provisions will be referred to as clean record agreements (CRAs).

RESOURCE MATERIAL

Model Employment Law Jury Instructions (Aug. 21, 2006)
Faculty of Federal Advocates Ad Hoc Committee
model_employment_law_jury_instructions.pdf

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
Representing Yourself in Federal Court: A Handbook for Pro Se Litigants
northern_district_prose-handbook.pdf

Resources for Whistleblowers
The Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds cannot receive disclosures from whistleblowers. However, it has developed general guidance. Individuals considering blowing the whistle should first consult an experienced whistleblower attorney and/or a whistleblower support organization. Also review Best Practices for Working with Congress and Whistleblower Survival Tips.

Have you reviewed your LOCAL RULES?

Understanding Federal Courts

State laws
"Administrative agencies generally oversee the enforcement of state anti-discrimination laws, similar to how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees the enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws. Thus, the first step in a discrimination claim often involves filing a charge with the enforcement agency. In the handful of states that do not have an enforcement agency, an employee may be able to file suit in court directly."
Source:JUSTIA

Opposing Summary Judgement
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2020, June 4)
Opposing summary judgment: ways to avoid common errors
www.hklaw.com/-/media/files/insights/publications/2020/06/opposing-summary-judgment--ways-to-avoid-common-errors.pdf?la=en

"Lawyers Move for Summary Judgment as a Scare Tactic One of the biggest bullying tactics lawyers employ against pro se litigants is the threat of summary judgment. If you’re a plaintiff, and the lawyer wasn’t able to have the case dismissed, that means you have a case, and summary judgment is not warranted. If you’re a defendant and the other side has not stricken all of your affirmative defenses or you’ve made it to discovery, chances are a summary judgment motion will be very weak. The problem is that pro se litigants are often so intimidated by the notion itself that they fold easily. Plaintiffs take settlements that do not adequately compensate them for harm done. Defendants pay or agree to pay more than is warranted just to avoid summary judgment. That’s why lawyers move for summary judgment. But you didn’t come to play, so don’t let this tactic work. Appeal an ill-advised grant of summary judgment." ---Source: 10 Reasons Why You Should Appeal A Grant of Summary Judgment

https://coalition4change.org/faqs.htm#Complaint%20Samples