Last month we updated you on the apparent difficulties that Jessica Cutler, a.k.a. Washingtonienne, has been encountering in paying her lawyers. Those difficulties persist.

On Friday, Judge Paul Friedman, who is presiding over the invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against Cutler, ordered the following:

[O]n or before July 7, 2006, defendant Jessica Cutler must personally respond in writing to her counsel's motion to withdraw and/or advise the Court of her retention of new counsel or her intention to proceed pro se.

The judge issued this order after Cutler failed to respond to her lawyer's motion to withdraw (for nonpayment of fees). So Jessica, if you're out there reading this, please get back to the court -- ASAP.

Personally, we would give multiple body parts to watch Jessica Cutler represent herself. It would be the greatest pro se performance since Anna Nicole Smith. We suspect Judge Friedman would become very sympathetic to Cutler after having an ex parte conference with her in chambers.

For all you law geeks out there, the text of the full order appears after the jump.

Here's Judge Friedman's order, in full:

On May 22, 2006, counsel for the defendant filed a motion to withdraw from this case pursuant to Local Civil Rule ("LCvR") 83.6(c), citing defendant's failure to pay attorneys' fees. In accordance with LCvR 83.6, counsel's motion to withdraw is accompanied by a certificate of service listing the defendant's last known address and stating that the attorney has served upon the defendant a copy of the motion to withdraw and a notice advising her to obtain other counsel, or if she intends to conduct the case pro se or to object to the withdrawal, to notify the Clerk of this Court within five days of the motion.

As of this date, the Court has received no notification from the defendant expressing either her intent to conduct the case pro se or objecting to the withdrawal, nor any other communication from the defendant personally.

Accordingly it is hereby ORDERED that on or before July 7, 2006, defendant Jessica Cutler must personally respond in writing to her counsel's motion to withdraw and/or advise the Court of her retention of new counsel or her intention to proceed pro se.

SO ORDERED.

PAUL L. FRIEDMAN

United States District Judge

Earlier:Prior coverage of Jessica Cutler (scroll down)