Civil RTC News
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.
Policy brief cites tenant RTC as crucial to good parent/child outcomes
A policy brief from an org focusing on parent/child health identified tenant RTC as an impactful policy.
Report gauges need, effective representation for pre-petition legal representation in child welfare cases
A new report surveys stakeholders in Texas to explore the issue of pre-child welfare involvement representation of parents and children.
NY State Bar advocates for RTC in immigration cases
The NY State Bar is backing a series of state bills that would expand access or create a right to counsel for immigration cases.
All about Columbus Ohio’s new tenant right to counsel
In Dec 2024, the City of Columbus enacted a right to counsel for certain tenants facing eviction.
All about Nashville’s tenant RTC pilot program
A report on Nashville's tenant rep pilot found it helped 93% of tenants avoid eviction / involuntary move while saving millions of dollars.
WA legislature narrows right to counsel in guardianship/conservatorship cases
Court must appoint counsel for respondents who object, request counsel, or if their interests cannot otherwise be adequately protected.
Discretionary appointment – Objecting parents in conservatorship cases
The court may appointment counsel for parents objecting to the appointment of a conservator.
WI tenant right to counsel bill dies
A 2026 Wisconsin bill that would have provided a right to counsel for tenants failed to pass.
UGCOPA adds discretionary appointment of counsel for parents
A 2026 law permits the court to appoint counsel for objecting parents in guardianship / conservatorship establishment cases.
Enactment of UGCOPA weakens appointment of counsel for children
2026 changes to the law somewhat narrow the appointment of counsel in guardianship establishment matters.
Enacted UGCOPA Act clarifies guardianship counsel is client-directed, but weakens protections in conservatorships
A 2026 law guarantees adults client-directed counsel in guardianship establishment cases but discretionary appointment in conservatorships.
