Ohio's rural community has trouble finding legal representation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Rural communities across Ohio are facing a growing crisis, with the Ohio State Bar Association warning of a shortage of attorneys.

Not only does this make their jobs harder, but it also keeps the justice system further out of reach for many Ohioans.

“That means that people have to wait to talk to an attorney,” Ohio State Bar Association CEO Mary Amos Augsburger said. “They may not even be able to see one that is close in their community so they’ll have to travel.”

According to the Ohio Bar, in 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties, there is fewer than one private practice attorney to serve every 700 residents. In 57 counties, there is less than one for every 1,500 residents.

“Our hope is a lot of those students will consider a rural practice when they graduate,” she said.

Augsburger said they’ve been trying to solve the shortage by doing outreach at Ohio’s law schools, including Ohio State.

“We have got to meet the people where they are,” Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy said. “People should have representation.”

She and two rural attorneys spoke with students about the opportunities provided when practicing outside of metropolitan areas.

“My biggest takeaway was the myths they addressed and sort of dispelled, like, that the work is boring or that there’s not enough work or there’s not enough money to be made practicing in rural Ohio,” Ohio State Moritz College of Law student Sophie Mitchell said.

Mitchell has lived in Columbus her entire life but said she now sees the potential of working in a rural area. Meanwhile, law student Isabelle Rammel is from a rural county and hopes to also be a part of solving this shortage.

“I know that agriculture is a big business, but hearing about how complex those legal problems can actually be in representation for rural community was really exciting to hear,” Rammel said.

While the shortage is concerning for students, it’s also reassuring to know their job is in such high demand.

“It’s really exciting because there is so many opportunities and it feels like there will be no shortage of ways that I can serve,” Rammel said.

The Ohio Bar also has a Rural Practice Incentive Program. It provides loan repayment assistance to attorneys who practice in underserved areas.