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.
Former AG Eric Holder calls for civil right to counsel
At the 2016 NLADA Exemplar Award Dinner, Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called for the right to counsel in civil cases.
Former NY Chief Judge calls for constitutional convention on civil right to counsel
Former NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has called for New York to hold a constitutional convention on the right to counsel in civil cases.
New Mexico court: failure to advise parent of right to appointed counsel is fundamental error
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.
Colorado expands appointment of counsel to later guardianship proceedings
A 2016 law authorizes a court to appoint counsel post-imposition of a guardianship/conservatorship if the court determines the ward needs it.
Comprehensive paper explores status, future of civil right to counsel
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
The updated Justice Index, which ranks the states on access to justice, now includes some factors relating to civil right to counsel.
Legislation (dead): child counsel in termination cases
This bill would have required a child's appointed counsel to continues past TPR until permanent placement has been finalized.
Wisconsin legislature creates access to civil legal services study committee
The Wisconsin legislature created a study committee to examine how to expand access to counsel in civil cases.
TX Sup. Ct: parental right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases extends to high court appeal
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
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
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
The Department of Justice and Office of Child Support Enforcement have reminded state courts about the right to counsel for some civil matters.
