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.
CA enacts RTC for immigrant children
CA became the first state to enact a RTC in the immigration context, in particular for "immigrant youth".
All about Louisville’s eviction right to counsel
Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.
NYC provides partial RTC for DV victims in divorce proceedings
NYC has enacted a qualified right to counsel for DV victims in divorce proceedings.
MN Supreme Court expands RTC in civil commitment proceedings
The MN Supreme Court held writ proceedings to enforce rights under the civil commitment statute are covered by the statutory right to counsel.
Alabama appellate court reverses TPRs on multiple occasions due to violation of RTC
The Alabama Court of Appeals reversed a termination of parental rights where a parent's appointed lawyer was denied a continuance to prepare.
All about Washington State’s groundbreaking eviction right to counsel
In April 2021, Washington State became the first state with a statewide right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Montana Supreme Court twice acts to protect parent right to counsel
The Montana Supreme Court found that a parent had not waived his right to counsel in an adoption case, and strengthened the waiver standard.
All about San Francisco’s DV right to counsel pilot ballot initiative
A 2022 ballot initiative, Proposition D, creates a 1-year pilot to provide a right to counsel for San Francisco victims of domestic violence.
Lawrence Tenants pushing Douglas County (KS) to enact tenant RTC
Lawrence Tenants, a tenant organizing group in Lawrence KS, is pushing the city to consider a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
All about Denver’s right to counsel
Denver has enacted an ordinance to guarantee counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Westchester County NY is first county with tenant right to counsel
In May 2023, Westchester County NY became the first county, and 19th jurisdiction, to provide a right to counsel for tenants.
All about the eviction RTC in the City of Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles enacted a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, becoming the 26th jurisdiction to enact such a law.
