State organization works to address attorney shortage in rural areas

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In an effort to tackle the growing shortage of attorneys in rural communities, the Illinois State Bar Association has launched an innovative initiative.

The Rural Practice Fellowship Program is a program aimed to connect law students and young attorneys with career opportunities in underserved rural areas. The Illinois Bar Association said this is to ensure that legal services remain accessible to all Illinois residents.

According to the ISBA website, there are a handful of counties that only have 5 or less private attorneys practicing. One of those counties is Cumberland.

Callah Wright, associate attorney, grew up in rural Illinois. She told WAND News the program allows for people to have a greater impact on smaller communities.

"There are so many people that can't get a will done," she explained. "Landlord tenant law comes up, and this requires the public to either have to travel a great distance to get an attorney or represent themselves, which is what I see often."

The program offers law students and new lawyers valuable financial incentives, including summer stipends and loan repayment assistance, as they establish careers in rural communities. ISBA said participating attorneys will gain hands-on experience while addressing the critical legal needs of residents in these areas.

Angel Wawrzynek, ISBA Chair of the Rural Practice Section Council, told WAND News while there is a level of competitiveness among attorneys, she has seen everyone band together for the program.

"I don't know anyone who is pushing back, even within the state bar association the more urban attorney have been incredibly supportive."

According to the ISBA, many rural areas in Illinois face a crisis as older attorneys retire and fewer young professionals choose to practice in these communities. The Rural Practice Fellowship Program seeks to bridge this gap.

To participate, law students and recent graduates must commit to spending at least two years practicing law in a designated rural area. In return, they receive financial assistance to offset student debt and living expenses, making it easier to build a career in areas where legal professionals are in high demand. To learn more, click here.