A Challenge We Can’t Ignore

When I look at the differences between rural and urban communities, one of the clearest gaps I see is access to legal resources. In large cities, there are law firms on nearly every corner, public defender’s offices with multiple attorneys, and nonprofits dedicated to providing free or reduced-cost legal help. In small towns and rural counties, things look very different. A person might have to drive hours just to meet with a lawyer. Public defenders are often stretched thin, and specialized legal services are almost nonexistent.

This divide is not just inconvenient—it can mean the difference between justice served and justice delayed. Our rural citizens deserve the same level of access to the law as anyone living in a big city, and as someone who has chosen to work in rural systems, I believe bridging that divide is one of the most important tasks we face.

Why Rural Communities Struggle

There are several reasons why rural areas lag behind when it comes to legal resources. The first is simply geography. Distances are greater, and lawyers can’t be in multiple places at once. The second is economics. Rural counties often don’t have the tax base to fund extensive court programs or staff public offices at the level they’d like. Finally, there’s recruitment. Young attorneys often gravitate toward big cities where they see more opportunities, better pay, and larger support networks.

The result is that rural folks are left with fewer options, longer wait times, and sometimes the feeling that their voice doesn’t matter in the justice system. That’s a dangerous place for any community to be. When trust in the legal process weakens, people stop turning to the courts for help. Instead, they turn to frustration, or worse, they give up entirely.

Technology as a Bridge

One of the most promising ways to close this gap is through technology. The pandemic showed us that courts can adapt to video conferencing, electronic filing, and remote hearings. These tools should not disappear now that life has returned to “normal.” In fact, rural communities may stand to benefit the most from them.

Imagine a farmer in a small county who needs legal advice but can’t take a day off to drive into a larger town. With virtual consultations, he can meet with an attorney online without leaving home. Or consider a witness who can’t afford the travel expenses to appear in court. A secure video link can make it possible for them to testify without losing wages or incurring travel costs.

Technology is not a cure-all, but it is a tool that can make justice more accessible and reduce the burdens that geography places on rural citizens.

Education and Outreach

Another key part of bridging the divide is education. Many people in rural areas simply don’t know what legal resources are available to them. Workshops at community centers, high schools, or local libraries can help citizens understand their rights, the basics of the legal process, and where to turn for help.

This outreach doesn’t just serve individuals; it strengthens the entire community. When people know how to navigate the legal system, they are more likely to engage with it in constructive ways. That reduces backlogs, cuts down on misunderstandings, and makes the work of judges, lawyers, and clerks more efficient.

Encouraging Attorneys to Serve Rural Areas

One of the hardest but most important steps is encouraging more attorneys to consider working in rural communities. That may mean creating incentives like student loan forgiveness for those who serve in rural counties, or establishing fellowship programs that give young lawyers exposure to rural practice.

I’ve spoken with many attorneys who assumed working in a rural county would mean less professional opportunity. In reality, rural practice often gives lawyers a broader range of experience and the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives. By showing young professionals the value of rural service, we can begin to close the staffing gap that has plagued so many small communities.

A Shared Responsibility

Bridging the rural-urban divide is not a task for courts alone. It requires collaboration among local governments, state agencies, law schools, and community organizations. It also requires that we in the legal profession take responsibility for advocating fairness no matter where someone lives.

Every person deserves equal access to justice. That belief should not change depending on whether you live in a rural township or a major city. When we let disparities grow, we create two systems of justice—one for the well-connected and one for the overlooked. That is not the vision our legal system was built upon.

Looking Ahead

As someone who has seen firsthand both the strengths and struggles of rural court systems, I remain hopeful. Change does not happen overnight, but small steps can build momentum. Expanding virtual services, offering education, and finding creative ways to attract attorneys to rural practice can make a real difference.

I believe that when rural communities thrive, our entire justice system grows stronger. A fair courtroom in a small town is just as important as one in a major city. The people deserve nothing less, and it’s our duty to keep working until access to justice is not defined by where someone lives.