22.206.195 - Right to legal counsel in eviction proceedings
A.
Any tenant residing in Seattle who is named in an unlawful detainer suit under chapter
59.18 RCW has the right to legal counsel free of charge as set forth in this Section
22.206.195, if the tenant is indigent. For the purposes of this Section 22.206.195, a person is "indigent" who, at any stage of an unlawful detainer suit, is unable
to pay the cost of counsel for representation in the unlawful detainer suit because
the person's available funds are insufficient to retain counsel. Any entity with which
the City contracts for legal representation provided under this Section 22.206.195 is authorized to establish the process for determining and verifying a tenant's indigent
status.
B.
Legal representation through a non-City entity shall be made available to a person
described in subsection 22.206.195.A upon that person's request as soon as practicable
after service of a summons for an unlawful detainer suit and at least until the complaint
is withdrawn, the case is dismissed, or a judgment is entered.
C.
To the extent allowed by law, the Director is authorized to negotiate and execute
a contract for unlawful detainer defense services provided under this Section 22.206.195 with an appropriate attorney organization that:
1.
Has experience providing legal representation for renters advocating for their legal
rights;
2.
Has at least one location near the courtroom where eviction proceedings are heard,
in the King County courthouse; and
3.
Has the ability to provide legal service in languages commonly spoken in Seattle or
has access to all necessary language translation services.
D.