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.
Former NY Chief Judge calls for constitutional convention on civil right to counsel
09/28/2016
Former NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has called for New York to hold a constitutional convention on the right to counsel in civil cases.
NIJ study released on effect of counsel for DV victims
09/26/2016
A study on the impact of providing counsel for DV victims was conducted by the University of Iowa and Iowa Legal Aid.
Delaware grants right to counsel for children in termination cases
09/22/2016
A law passed in 2016 requires the court to appoint an attorney for a child to act as guardian ad litem in termination cases.
California Legislature calls for fed gov't to ensure counsel for children in immigration cases
09/09/2016
SJR 28, passed by the California Assembly, urges the federal government to guarantee counsel for children in immigration cases.
Delaware grants right to counsel for children in abuse/neglect cases
09/06/2016
A law passed in 2016 requires the court to appoint an attorney for a child to act as guardian ad litem in abuse/neglect cases.
New Mexico court: failure to advise parent of right to appointed counsel is fundamental error
08/31/2016
A New Mexico appellate court held that a trial court's failure to advise a parent of her statutory right to counsel was fundamental error.
Report: whether Washington kids get counsel depends on where they live
08/26/2016
A report examines the situation in Washington State as to when children are appointed counsel in child welfare cases.
"100% Access to Justice" Initiative launched, includes civil right to counsel
08/10/2016
A new "Justice for All Initiative" launched by national court leaders includes civil right to counsel as part of the plan.
NJ Supreme Court recognizes right to counsel for parents in adoption cases
07/26/2016
The Supreme Court of New Jersey held there is a right to counsel for parents in adoption cases under the NJ Constitution's Due Process Clause.
Colorado expands appointment of counsel to later guardianship proceedings
06/10/2016
A 2016 law authorizes a court to appoint counsel post-imposition of a guardianship/conservatorship if the court determines the ward needs it.
UN body calls for right to counsel in U.S. immigration cases
05/24/2016
The U.N. Committee to End Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called on the U.S. to guarantee counsel in immigration cases.
Comprehensive paper explores status, future of civil right to counsel
05/20/2016
A paper requested by the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services explores the history and future of the civil right to counsel movement.
2016 Justice Index now features civil right to counsel
05/20/2016
The updated Justice Index, which ranks the states on access to justice, now includes some factors relating to civil right to counsel.
Mississippi finally authorizes appointment of counsel in child welfare cases
05/13/2016
In 2016, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a law authorizing youth court judges to appoint counsel for parents in child welfare cases.
Legislation (dead): child counsel in termination cases
05/05/2016
This bill would have required a child's appointed counsel to continues past TPR until permanent placement has been finalized.
MA high court: parents have right to counsel in private child guardianship establishment and modification proceedings
05/04/2016
The Supreme Judicial Court of MA held there is a constitutional right to counsel in proceedings to establish or modify a child guardianship.
Nebraska authorizes appointment of counsel in civil forfeiture cases
04/19/2016
A new law authorizes appointment of counsel for a person (other than the defendant) claiming an interest in property subject to forfeiture.
Wisconsin legislature creates access to civil legal services study committee
04/18/2016
The Wisconsin legislature created a study committee to examine how to expand access to counsel in civil cases.
Mississippi finally authorizes appointment of counsel in termination of parental rights cases
04/18/2016
In 2016, the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill authorizing judges to appoint counsel for parents in termination of parental rights cases.
TX Sup. Ct: parental right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases extends to high court appeal
04/01/2016
The Supreme Court of Texas held that a parent's right to counsel in child welfare cases extends to an appeal to the high court.
TX Sup Ct: parental right to counsel in termination cases extends to high court appeal
04/01/2016
The Supreme Court of Texas held that a parent's right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases extends to an appeal to the high court.
AP story featuring right to counsel, NCCRC picked up by Washington Post and NYTimes
03/30/2016
A story by the Associated Press features civil right to counsel legislation across the country and the NCCRC.
Fed gov't agencies warn state courts about right to counsel obligations
03/21/2016
The Department of Justice and Office of Child Support Enforcement have reminded state courts about the right to counsel for some civil matters.
Bills on civil right to counsel dominate 2016 legislative sessions
02/23/2016
Over two dozen bills that would establish or expand rights to counsel in civil cases have been filed in state legislatures across the country.
CT Chief Justice, State Bar President cite importance of civil right to counsel
01/11/2016
The incoming CT State Bar President and the CT Supreme Court Chief Justice say a civil right to counsel must be examined.
NY extends right to counsel to non-respondent parents
01/01/2016
A 2015 bill extended the right to counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings to non-respondent parents who appear in court.
Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Joins Chorus for Civil Right to Counsel
12/09/2015
New Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Gaetan Alfano has said that civil right to counsel will be a priority during his term.
NCCRC participates in DOJ/White House meeting on debtor's prison
12/02/2015
The NCCRC joined a December meeting convened by the Department of Justice and the White House about the rise of debtor's prisons.
Study: detained immigrants 5.5x more likely to prevail with lawyer
12/01/2015
A comprehensive study concluded that detained immigrants are 5.5 times more likely to avoid removal if they have a lawyer.
Nat'l Center for State Courts: 3/4 of civil cases have one unrepresented party
11/11/2015
A report by the National Center for State Courts reveals that at least three-quarters of all civil cases involve at least one pro se party.