Major developments
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don't fit into a neat category.
Colorado enacts right to counsel for parents in due process appeals where the parent prevailed below
05/25/2023
Parents of students with a disability have the right to counsel in due process appeals where they prevailed below.
Campaign launched for eviction RTC in North Jersey
05/23/2023
The North New Jersey DSA is pushing for the city to join the ranks of cities adopting a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Minnesota creates limited statewide tenant right to counsel
05/19/2023
A bill enacted in 2023 provides a right to counsel for public housing tenants threatened with eviction for an alleged breach of lease.
Westchester County is first county with tenant right to counsel
05/19/2023
In May 2023, Westchester County became the first county, and 19th jurisdiction, to provide a right to counsel for tenants.
St. Pete weighs right to counsel for tenants facing eviction
05/17/2023
The City of St. Pete is considering providing a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
All about Detroit's tenant right to counsel
05/16/2023
In May 2022, Detroit became the latest city to enact a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Right to attorney ad litem for certain payees
05/16/2023
The court must appoint an attorney GAL for payees who are minors or appear to "suffer from a mental or cognitive impairment."
Right to counsel
05/15/2023
Indigent civil contempt respondents have a right to counsel; a jail sentence may not be imposed unless criminal contempt defendant has counsel.
Multnomah County RTC ballot initiative voted down
05/15/2023
A proposed ballot initiative that would have establish a right to counsel for Multnomah County tenants facing eviction was voted down.
Mississippi expands child right to counsel in child welfare cases
04/19/2023
Minors in abuse/neglect proceedings have the right to an attorney and a GAL.
Right to counsel - Extreme risk protection orders
04/05/2023
Extreme risk protection order respondents may have the right to counsel under certain circumstances.
South Carolina bill would provide right to counsel for tenants
04/01/2023
A newly-introduced bill would guarantee counsel for indigent South Carolina tenants facing eviction.
Cincinnati data flags troubling eviction stats, positive representation results
03/30/2023
Reports from Cincinnati flag the low number of represented tenants and high eviction rates, as well as the positive impact of representation.
Right to counsel
03/28/2023
There is a right to an attorney in guardianship proceedings, but the attorney serves in an ad litem capacity.
Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
The court may appoint an attorney ad litem for children in certain proceedings regarding parenting time, custody, or visitation.
Right to attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
Persons subject to guardianship have the right to an attorney ad litem where involuntary treatment with psychiatric medications is sought.
Discretionary right to attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
Minors may be entitled to an attorney ad litem in matters related to conservatorships or other protective orders.
Milwaukee County provides counsel for all tenants facing eviction
03/27/2023
Milwaukee County has passed a resolution in support of right to counsel and appropriated sufficient funding to make that happen.
Guardianship right to counsel featured in Bloomberg
03/26/2023
A recent article from Bloomberg Law looks at flaws in state right to counsel laws, as well as the success of representation when provided.
OH Court of Appeals strengthens parents’ right to counsel in termination of parental rights matters
03/25/2023
An Ohio appellate court held that trial courts cannot permit parents' attorneys to withdraw in TPR matters without a thorough waiver analysis.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for child witnesses
03/23/2023
The court may appoint an attorney as a GAL for minors called as witnesses.
All about the tenant right to counsel in Kansas City
03/20/2023
Kansas City has enacted an ordinance guaranteeing counsel for all tenants facing eviction regardless of income.
All about Washington State's groundbreaking eviction right to counsel
03/12/2023
In April 2021, Washington State became the first state with a statewide right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Right to guardian ad litem
03/09/2023
An adult subject of protective services proceeding has the right to a GAL, but it is unclear whether GAL must be an attorney.
Right to Counsel
03/09/2023
Indigent parents and Indian custodians have the right to counsel in termination proceedings concerning Indian children.
Right to Counsel
03/09/2023
Indian children have a discretionary right to counsel in termination proceedings.
Right to counsel
03/08/2023
Adoptees in contested adoption matters have the right to a GAL, who must be an attorney.
All about the right to counsel for evictions in NYC
03/07/2023
NYC is the first jurisdiction in the country to establish a right to counsel for low-income tenants in eviction cases, and is looking to expand.
All about the eviction right to counsel efforts in Los Angeles
02/14/2023
Los Angeles is exploring whether to enact an ordinance providing a right to counsel in housing court similar to New York City.
Massachusetts considers tenant right to counsel
02/12/2023
Bills have been filed to create a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, and a statewide coalition has been launched to support them.