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.
PA Superior Court: right to appointed counsel where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for failure to pay cost
The PA Superior Court held that counsel must be appointed where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for contempt over failure to pay a cost.
Bill would amend standards for appointing civil counsel in federal court
New federal legislation would address flaws in the statute governing discretionary appointment of counsel in federal civil cases.
More federal bills would fund cities/states pursuing right to counsel
Bills filed in the U.S. House and Senate would fund cities/states expanding eviction defense and prioritize those with a right to counsel.
ICWA, right to counsel apply to private guardianships, says Nebraska high court
The Supreme Court of Nebraska held= the Indian Child Welfare Act and its right to counsel provisions appliy to private guardianship disputes.
Webinar tackles funding and race issues in eviction right to counsel
A Shriver Center webinar tackled the question of the race equity implications of an eviction right to counsel, as well as funding questions.
NYC first jurisdiction with universal representation for immigrants
New York is providing universal access to counsel for detained immigrants.
NJ appellate court: Counsel required in administrative abuse/neglect cases
An appellate court held that parents have a right to counsel in an administrative proceeding to determine abuse/neglect and for an appeal.
Newark becomes third city to enact right to counsel for evictions
In late 2018, Newark joined NYC and San Francisco in guaranteeing counsel for tenants facing eviction.
All about Chicago’s tenant representation success
Reports in 2019 and 2024 pointed to the success of providing full representation for Chicago tenants facing eviction.
Iowa adds discretionary appointment of counsel for kids in guardianship cases
If the court finds that a minor's interests are or may be inadequately represented, it shall appoint counsel.
Iowa adds right to counsel for parents in guardianship cases
Indigent objecting parents have the right to counsel upon request in minor guardianship matters.
ND ensures counsel for parents
A 2019 law change provides a right to counsel for parents in private guardianship proceedings.
