John E. Mallard, an attorney who practiced bankruptcy and securities law, was selected by the U.S. magistrate to represent indigent inmates who were suing prison officials for maltreatment. He was compelled to represent the inmates under a federal statute authorizing federal courts to "request" an attorney to represent any person claiming poverty status. Claiming that he was not competent to handle complex trial matters, Mallard filed a motion to withdraw. The magistrate denied his request, and his appeal to the district court and court of appeals was unsuccessful. Can the court compel attorney Mallard to represent an indigent civil litigant?