LASO’s Right to Counsel program generates significant economic benefits

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO), a nonprofit firm providing civil legal services across the state, has released a comprehensive study conducted by STOUT examining the economic impact of its Right to Counsel (RTC) Program in Oklahoma County. The findings reveal substantial benefits not only for tenants facing eviction but also for the broader community and economy.

"Most people cannot afford an attorney, and the legal system is complex. The need for local laws ensuring full legal representation for eligible persons is crucial," said Michael Figgins, executive director of LASO. "I have always wanted to use my energies to help others. There are lots of ways to do so, and I chose the law," Figgins said.

He noted the consequences of eviction, which include homelessness, job loss and family instability. "Eviction is often perceived as non-payment of rent, but tenants frequently face overcharging, improper notice and unsafe living conditions. Without an attorney, many are unjustly evicted," Figgins explained. "The balance of power is so extreme that 50% of tenants facing eviction do not go to court. Many simply default because they feel disempowered. Without an attorney, a tenant will lose almost every time."

Since the RTC Pilot began in August 2022 in Tulsa County and June 2023 in Oklahoma County, LASO has significantly expanded data collection, enabling a comprehensive evaluation by STOUT. The results underscore the positive outcomes of the RTC program and its substantial economic impact.

• High Success Rate: LASO attorneys have assisted RTC Pilot clients in achieving approximately 95% of their case goals. The program has demonstrated a 96% success rate in preventing evictions with LASO's extended services.
• Reduction in Homelessness: Approximately 27% of RTC Pilot clients reported experiencing homelessness due to a past eviction. Clients who experienced past homelessness were more likely to be female (76%) and predominantly identified as White (35%).
• Economic Benefits: STOUT estimates that Oklahoma County and Tulsa County likely realized economic and fiscal benefits of approximately $6.3 million between August 1, 2022, and June 5, 2024. LASO spent approximately $860,000 on the RTC Pilot during this period, resulting in an estimated return on investment of $7.37 for every dollar spent.
• Barriers to Attendance: About 40% of RTC Pilot clients indicated they faced barriers such as missing work, changing childcare plans or rescheduling medical appointments, making it challenging to attend their hearings.

Plaintiff (landlord/rental property owner) legal counsel indicated that tenant legal representation leads to more efficient and effective case resolutions. This support underscores the broader acceptance and recognition of the program's benefits.

Impact Beyond Non-Payment of Rent

Stout’s evaluation revealed that tenants often face complex legal issues beyond non-payment of rent, such as improper notice and unsafe living conditions. In 64% of closed RTC Pilot cases where clients received extensive services, tenants experienced at least one complex case criterion. In 32% of these cases, tenants faced multiple complex issues.

LASO's dedication to comprehensive data collection has been critical for developing a data-oriented approach to the RTC Pilot evaluation. The organization invested significantly in a client interview process to better understand clients' circumstances, which has informed both qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Detailed Economic and Fiscal Benefits

The estimated economic and fiscal benefits of the RTC Pilot include:

• Fiscal impacts related to housing social safety net responses: $1.7 million
• Economic value preserved by retaining residency in Oklahoma: $1.2 million
• Reduction in crimes related to lack of shelter: $740,000
• Fiscal impacts related to increased educational attainment: $720,000
• Fiscal impacts related to responding to unsheltered homelessness: $710,000
• Fiscal impacts related to employment stability: $470,000
• Sustained education funding for children in Oklahoma schools: $420,000
• Fiscal impacts related to criminalizing homelessness: $160,000
• Fiscal impacts related to Medicaid spending on health care: $130,000

Stout estimates the cost to fully implement RTC in Oklahoma County at $3.5 million annually and $3 million annually in Tulsa County. These costs include personnel, facilities, technology, equipment, training, outreach and other necessary expenses.

Former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, City Councilor James Cooper and LASO Executive Director Michael Figgins have all highlighted the critical role of the RTC program. Figgins, who has dedicated his career to legal aid, emphasized the severe consequences of eviction and the crucial need for legal representation.

The findings from the STOUT study and the success of LASO's RTC program demonstrate the profound positive impact of providing legal representation to tenants facing eviction. As LASO continues its mission, the organization remains committed to advocating for the expansion and support of the RTC initiative across Oklahoma.