Major developments

Reports from Cincinnati flag the low number of represented tenants and high eviction rates, as well as the positive impact of representation.

Milwaukee County has passed a resolution in support of right to counsel and appropriated sufficient funding to make that happen.

A recent article from Bloomberg Law looks at flaws in state right to counsel laws, as well as the success of representation when provided.

The court may appoint an attorney as a GAL for minors called as witnesses.

Kansas City has enacted an ordinance guaranteeing counsel for all tenants facing eviction regardless of income.

In April 2021, Washington State became the first state with a statewide right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.

An adult subject of protective services proceeding has the right to a GAL, but it is unclear whether GAL must be an attorney.

Indigent parents and Indian custodians have the right to counsel in termination proceedings concerning Indian children.

Indian children have a discretionary right to counsel in termination proceedings.

Adoptees in contested adoption matters have the right to a GAL, who must be an attorney.

NYC is the first jurisdiction in the country to establish a right to counsel for low-income tenants in eviction cases, and is looking to expand.

In May 2022, Detroit became the latest city to enact a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.

Los Angeles is exploring whether to enact an ordinance providing a right to counsel in housing court similar to New York City.

Bills have been filed to create a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, and a statewide coalition has been launched to support them.

The City of Toledo has enacted legislation to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction.

Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.

A bill has been introduced that would provide St. Louis tenants with a right to counsel when facing eviction.

A bill guarantees counsel to Cleveland families with children facing eviction who are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.

The recently-released White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights urges states to give tenants a right to counsel.

The Philadelphia City Council has enacted a right to counsel for tenants.

Children have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases, although the child's GAL can sometimes play this role.

New guidelines from the Disability Economic Justice Collaborative call for the inclusion of right to counsel as a reasonable accommodation.

In May 2021, Connecticut became the third state to enact a statewide right to counsel for indigent tenants facing eviction.

Arbitrator of family law matter may appoint an attorney, GAL, or other representative for a child.

Arbitrator of family law matter may appoint an attorney, GAL, or other representative for a child.

CityHealth, which ranks cities on their policies, is making a push in conjunction with the NCCRC for cities to adopt a tenant right to counsel.

The 2022 World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index ranked the U.S. 126th in the world on access to civil justice.

Three rounds of HUD grants are providing funding to legal services providers to represent tenants facing eviction.

Omaha's affordable housing plan includes right to counsel as one of its stated goals.

A proposed ballot initiative for May 2023 would establish a right to counsel for Multnomah County tenants facing eviction.