Reports and Links

OCLA Announces First Counties Certified to Begin Appointing Attorneys for Indigent Tenants

On October 1, 2021, the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) certified the first 17 counties for appointment of attorneys to represent indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases.  Under RCW 59.18.640, certification is a requirement before courts may entertain unlawful detainer proceedings.

OCLA Press Release Re Certification of Initial RTC Counties– 10-6-21 FINAL

On July 15, 2021, OCLA released the Implementation Plan for the nation’s first statewide law establishing a right to appointment counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings.  The right to counsel program (RTC Program) was established by Senate Bill 5160 in the 2021 legislative session.  Administration of the program was assigned to OCLA.RTC Contracted Programs and 

OCLA Implementation Plan – Right to Counsel for Indigent Tenants

OCLA RTC Contracted Programs By County 12-13-21

OCLA RTC Implementation Memos to Superior Court Judges Association, Clerks, and Court Administrators

Memo No. 9
Memo No. 8
Memo No. 7
Memo No. 6
Memo No. 5
Memo No. 4
Memo No. 3
Memo No. 2
Memo No. 1

FY 22-23 Office of Civil Legal Aid — COVID-19 Legal Aid Program

The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) announces the availability of $1.5 million in funding for an 18-month Pandemic Educational Legal Assistance Program.  The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is below.

NOFA for Pandemic Educational Legal Assistance Final 10-11-21

The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) announces the availability of $2.75 million in funding for an 18-month Pandemic Civil Legal Aid Program.  The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is below.

NOFA for Pandemic Legal Assistance — 10-18-21

A19 Budget Reporting Form — Pandemic Legal Aid Program

What People Are Saying About The Need for Emergency COVID-19 Civil Legal Aid

What People Are Saying — 1 Pager

Former Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst and Mariners General Counsel Fred Rivera — The Seattle Times (April 14, 2020)

Former Attorney General Rob McKenna and Former Access to Justice Board Chair Salvador Mungia — The Tacoma News Tribune (June 14, 2020)

Senator Ann Rivers and Representative Monica Stonier — The Columbian (August 30, 2020)

Washington State Supreme Court Justice (and former Chief Justice) Debra Stephens and Access to Justice Board Chair Francis Adewale — The Spokesman-Review (January 20, 2021)

COVID-19 Emergency Civil Legal Aid Program

January 2021 Report to Legislature on OCLA’s Emergency COVID-19 Civil Legal Aid Program

COVID-19 Emergency Civil Legal Aid Program Interim Report 9-2020

OCLA Videos

“… And Justice For All”

Watch the trailer and full video to see how civil legal aid solves problems, gives hope and redeems lives one person at a time.

“… One Person at a Time:  Tarra Simmons”

Watch this video of a former civil legal aid client telling how civil legal aid changed her life.

“Civil Legal Aid:  The Business Case”

Watch this video of Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer, Brad Smith, explaining why businesses care about civil legal aid and justice for all.

2016 Civil Justice Reinvestment Plan

2015 Civil Legal Needs Study Update Related Materials:

2016 Statewide Civil Legal Aid to Crime Victims Program

Family Law Automated Forms Assembly System (Technology Assisted Forms)

TAF Project Plan – Summary

TAF Project Timeline

2003 Civil Legal Needs Study

The Office of Civil Legal Aid is required to report biennially on the status of access to the civil justice system for low-income people eligible for state-funded legal aid.

2011 Biennial Report on the Status of Access to the Civil Justice System for Low-Income People Eligible for State-Funded Civil Legal Aid

2009 Biennial Report on the Status of Access to the Civil Justice System for Low Income People Eligible for State-Funded Civil Legal Aid

Here Are Some Other Places to Find Information About Civil Legal Aid and Related Services

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