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.
Right to counsel
09/15/2023
There is a RTC for either party in a DV proceeding under Article 8, including for appeal, and for certain minor respondents in juvenile court.
All about the tenant right to counsel in Kansas City
09/11/2023
Kansas City has enacted an ordinance guaranteeing counsel for all tenants facing eviction regardless of income.
Colorado court reverses denial of counsel in contempt case
07/13/2023
The appellate court overturned a contempt order where the respondent was unrepresented and the trial court failed to analyze his ability to pay.
All about the eviction right to counsel efforts in Los Angeles
07/11/2023
Los Angeles City and County are moving towards enacting laws providing a right to counsel in housing court.
St. Louis is 22nd right to counsel jurisdiction
07/07/2023
St. Louis has enacted a right to counsel for all tenants facing eviction.
Right to counsel
06/18/2023
The court must appoint an attorney ad litem for the subject of a guardianship proceeding.
Delaware takes major step towards tenant right to counsel
06/16/2023
Delaware's new law entitles tenants to counsel in certain housing matters, but subject to qualifications that fall short of a full right.
Jersey City becomes 21st jurisdiction with tenant right to counsel
06/15/2023
Following a push from the North New Jersey DSA, Jersey City has adopted a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
LA provides discretionary appt of counsel for children in some private TPR matters
06/09/2023
In TPR matters brought based on commission of a sex offense resulting in conception of the child, the court may appoint counsel.
Nevada guarantees / strengthens counsel for children in abuse/neglect proceedings
06/06/2023
A court must appoint counsel for a child in an abuse/neglect proceeding.
Right to counsel / Discretionary appointment of counsel
06/06/2023
A court may appoint counsel for accused parents and must appoint counsel where protective custody of Indian child is sought.
Colorado enacts RTC 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.
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 NY is first county with tenant right to counsel
05/19/2023
In May 2023, Westchester County NY 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.
Right to counsel - Extreme risk protection orders
04/20/2023
Extreme risk protection order respondents may have the right to counsel under certain circumstances.
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.
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 appoitnment of attorney ad litem
03/28/2023
Minors may be appointed 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.