Rural Legal Deserts Spur New Access-to-Justice Efforts
A 2025 study found that more than half of nonmetropolitan U.S. counties lack enough private-practice lawyers, creating legal deserts. The opinion piece argues that access to legal assistance should not depend on where someone lives and that these gaps weaken trust in the justice system. It highlights efforts by law schools, bar associations, courts, and legal-services organizations to build rural career pathways, clinical programs, and fellowships.
A 2025 study found that over half of nonmetropolitan counties in the U.S. have too few private-practice attorneys to meet local needs. Residents may face eviction, custody, estate, or business problems with the closest qualified lawyer hours away.
Law schools and legal groups are responding with rural placements, clinics, fellowships, and mentoring. Examples include Buffalo's rural justice effort, New Mexico judicial externships, a Tennessee incubator requiring five years in underserved areas, and Ohio's roughly $1.5 million collaborative.
Rural residents needing legal help may gain more options if these programs persist, potentially improving outcomes in housing, family, estate, and small-business matters. Greater local lawyer presence could also strengthen confidence in courts and legal institutions. Yet impact may depend on funding, retention, and whether new attorneys stay beyond initial commitments. Law schools and communities could benefit from stronger pipelines, though results may take years to appear.