GR 9 Supplement – Proposed SPR 98.24 (NEW)

The Washington Supreme Court Rules Committee reviewed the comments on a new proposed rule regarding the appointment of counsel in unlawful detainer proceedings (SPR 98.24). The proposed rule was originally submitted by: Northwest Justice Project, Access to Justice Board, Spokane Volunteer Lawyers Program, Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma Pro Bono, King County Bar Association Housing Justice Project, Kitsap Legal Services, Yakima Volunteer Attorney Services, Chelan-Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services, Thurston County Volunteer Lawyer Services, Skagit Volunteer Lawyers Program, Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program

The original rule was published for comment by the October 2022 En Banc Conference with a comment expiration date of January 31, 2023. The Superior Court Judges’ Association was granted an additional month until February 28, 2023 to provide comments.

Justice Yu, co-chair of the Rules Committee contacted Jim Bamberger, Director of the Office of Civil Legal Aid to obtain information regarding the availability of counsel for appointment in each county and to inquire whether additional funding would be available going forward. The attached materials were made available to Justice Yu and Mr. Bamberger stated that additional funds had been appropriated by the Legislature.

Justice Yu revised the proposed rule and such revisions were accepted by the Office of Civil Legal Aid and subsequently accepted by the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee is recommending that the revised rule be republished for comment.