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.
Charlottesville to provide counsel for most low-income tenants
06/15/2021
The City Council has committed to providing funding such that most low-income tenants can be provided counsel.
Nevada guarantees counsel for minor respondents in DV cases
06/12/2021
Nevada enacted a law providing that minors who are respondents in domestic violence protection order cases are entitled to counsel.
Washington Post editorials focus on right to counsel
05/27/2021
The Washington Post ran an editorial series on the right to counsel.
New polling data shows strong support for eviction right to counsel
05/19/2021
Data for Progress has released new polling data showing the American public strongly supports a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
New Jersey joins ranks of states considering tenant right to counsel
05/14/2021
A bill has been filed that would provide a statewide right to counsel for indigent tenants facing eviction.
WA State guarantees counsel for most children in child welfare cases
05/10/2021
As the result of 2021 legislation, most Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in child welfare cases.
WA State guarantees counsel for children in termination cases
05/10/2021
As the result of 2021 legislation, Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
New North Dakota law strengthens right to counsel for kids
04/28/2021
A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in abuse/neglect cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.
Right to counsel
04/28/2021
A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in parental termination cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.
CA Supreme Court: parents have right to effective assistance of counsel on appeal
04/25/2021
The Supreme Court of California ruled parents can challenge a denial of a termination of parental rights appeal that was filed late.
Arizona establishes right to counsel for kids in child welfare cases
04/23/2021
A 2021 bill changed the law to require children to have attorneys in child welfare proceedings, as opposed to guardians ad litem.
New Jersey launches eviction right to counsel pilot
04/15/2021
New Jersey will be providing counsel to all tenants facing eviction in 3 pilot sites.
Legal Services Corp. President calls for eviction right to counsel
04/15/2021
An opinion piece in the Houston Chronicle by the Legal Services Corporation President calls for immediate passage of an eviction right ocounsel.
Santa Monica explores eviction right to counsel
04/10/2021
Santa Monica has taken steps to move towards a right to counsel in eviction cases.
5th Circuit: appointment of counsel portion of ICWA is constitutional
04/09/2021
The Fifth Circuit upheld the portion of the Indian Child Welfare Act relating to appointment of counsel for parents.
Massachusetts legislation would establish statewide eviction right to counsel
03/30/2021
Bills have been filed to create a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, and a statewide coalition has been launched to support them.
Seattle becomes eighth city with eviction right to counsel
03/29/2021
A bill enacted by the Seattle City Council provides a right to counsel for all low-income tenants facing eviction.
PA Superior Court: appointed counsel must represent so long as there is a likelihood of imprisonment
03/17/2021
The PA Superior Court instructs that on remand, so long as there is a likelihood of imprisonment, appointed counsel must continue to represent.
Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling strengthens parents’ right to counsel in child welfare cases
03/11/2021
The Supreme Court of Hawaii has ruled that parents must be appointe counsel for all types of child welfare cases upon filing of the petition.
Certain Houston courts will provide counsel for all tenants
03/10/2021
A new project will provide all tenants counsel in certain Houston housing courts.
Policy brief makes case for universal representation in immigration
02/19/2021
A policy brief by the Vera Institute shares compelling statistics justifying the creation of a universal representation program for immigrants.
Webinar series featured organizing around eviction right to counsel
02/01/2021
A webinar series hosted by the NCCRC and the Right to Counsel Coalition of NYC featured organizing efforts around right to counsel.
Minnesota joins states with statewide RTC bill
01/28/2021
A newly filed bill would provide a right to counsel for public housing tenants facing an eviction for an alleged breach of lease.
Indiana considering tenant right to counsel for Marion County
01/16/2021
A pending bill would guarantee counsel for tenants facing eviction in Marion County Small Claims Court.
Mississippi pilots show significant benefit of counsel in child welfare cases
01/15/2021
A recent Mississippi study showed that parents benefit significantly when given access to legal counsel.
Maryland AG Task Force recommends RTC for evictions
01/13/2021
The Maryand Attorney General's Access to Justice Task Force released a report recommending a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Nebraska bill would create right to counsel for all tenants
01/11/2021
A new bill would require courts to appoint counsel for all tenants in eviction cases.
Trial court found to have abused discretion in failing to apopint counsel for parent
01/09/2021
A Louisian appelalte court reversed an adoption because the trial court failed to determine if the birth parent was entitled to counsel.
South Carolina bill would provide right to counsel for tenants
01/01/2021
A newly-introduced bill would guarantee counsel for indigent South Carolina tenants facing eviction.
Right to counsel
12/27/2020
There is an arguable right to appointed counsel in sterilization proceedings.