von Geldern Pens Seattle Times Op-Ed on “Right-to-Counsel” in Eviction Proceedings
Posted: 2/12/2026 (CSDE in the News)
CSDE Trainee Will von Geldern (Public Policy) published an opinion piece in the Seattle Times that draws on findings from his dissertation research and work with CSDE Affiliates Rachel Fyall (Public Policy) and Karin Martin (Public Policy). The op-ed addresses the “right to counsel” law in Washington, which was intended to ensure legal representation for tenants who receive public assistance or who have very low incomes. Five years after the bill’s passing, however, less than half of tenants receive legal assistance during the eviction process. In the article, von Geldern argues that the decision to create the right-to-counsel program without fixing the underlying eviction process has contributed to a persistent gap in tenants’ access to justice.