New York City’s Right to Counsel law helps stem the epidemic of evictions, and provides a blueprint for Milwaukee

NYC was the first in the nation to pass the Right to Counsel. In 2019, evictions dropped 15%, from the same time in 2018.

News Story (NATIONAL, Wisconsin)

James E. Causey
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
October 16, 2020
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Tags: COVID-19, Housing: Eviction, Housing: Right to Counsel

Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Action of Wisconsin

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DETAILS

In Wisconsin, access to adequate legal representation to match that of the landlords is unaffordable for families facing eviction, said Raphael Ramos, director of Legal Action for Wisconsin’s Eviction Defense Project.

“Right to Counsel would help tenants by guaranteeing a lawyer for them in eviction court and giving them access to information about their rights, practical advice and in- and out-of-court advocacy,” he said.

Representation helps renters avoid eviction and puts many on a path toward lifelong housing stability, which benefits everyone in the long run, including the landlords, he said.