Originally published in the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Newsletter (October 2025 Issue). Reprinted with permission.
Understanding the Rural Legal Desert
Across the United States, access to justice remains an ongoing challenge in rural America. A 2025 Iowa State University study found that over half of all non-metropolitan counties now qualify as “legal deserts”—areas with fewer than one private-practice attorney per 1,000 residents. Even more alarming, 11 percent of those counties are classified as critically underserved, meaning residents have little to no access to local legal counsel.
While these statistics are concerning, they tell only part of the story. Many attorneys who are technically licensed in these regions work for government agencies, academic institutions, or corporate entities rather than serving local individuals and small businesses. This gap creates an even more severe shortage of available private practitioners, particularly in agricultural and family law—areas that are essential for sustaining rural livelihoods.
The lack of local attorneys can force rural residents to travel long distances for legal help, delay seeking representation, or attempt to navigate complex legal issues on their own. These challenges underscore the urgency for creative solutions that attract and retain lawyers in rural areas while ensuring equitable access to justice for every community.
State Incentives to Attract Rural Attorneys
To address these growing legal deserts, several states have launched targeted incentive programs designed to make rural practice more appealing to new attorneys.
South Dakota offers one of the most established models. Its Rural Attorney Recruitment Program provides an annual stipend of $12,513 for five years to attorneys who commit to practicing in counties with fewer than 10,000 residents.
North Dakota has implemented a similar initiative, offering $9,000 per year for five years to attorneys who agree to serve in designated rural areas.
In Illinois, the Rural Practice Associate Fellows Program offers a $10,000 stipend for a one-year placement with rural law firms, along with mentorship and networking opportunities.
These collaborative efforts are typically funded by a combination of state judicial branches, bar associations, and local county governments. The programs have shown early promise in improving retention and boosting the number of attorneys serving underserved populations. However, experts agree that long-term sustainability depends on continued funding, legislative support, and strong community integration.
According to The Practice, a publication from Harvard Law School’s Center on the Legal Profession, flexible incentive programs and meaningful mentorship are key to helping new lawyers thrive in rural settings. Financial incentives alone cannot offset isolation or lack of professional development opportunities. Successful initiatives combine stipends with mentorship, community involvement, and long-term career planning.
Innovative Models Beyond Rural Settings
While most discussions focus on rural shortages, urban areas can also suffer from unequal access to legal services. The Rural Law Practice in the News article highlights the Freedom Defense Center of Roseland, located on Chicago’s South Side, as an inspiring community-based model.
This first-of-its-kind center integrates public defense, case management, restorative justice, and community education within a single neighborhood facility. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the initiative was developed to bring legal support directly to residents—eliminating transportation barriers and building trust through local engagement.
Although the Roseland Center serves an urban population, its principles are highly relevant to rural America: bringing legal services to the people, rather than expecting individuals to travel long distances to find representation. This model demonstrates how innovation and collaboration between public officials, bar associations, and community leaders can close the justice gap in any geography.
Bridging the Gap: Strategies for the Future
The ISBA’s Rural Practice Section and other advocacy groups continue to emphasize a multi-pronged approach to addressing the rural attorney shortage. Key strategies include:
- Mapping and Data Collection – Comprehensive studies like the ISU report provide valuable insight into where the needs are greatest, allowing targeted resource allocation.
- Flexible Incentive Programs – Programs should consider not just stipends but also housing assistance, loan forgiveness, and spousal employment support to help attorneys settle in rural areas.
- Licensing Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) – Authorizing trained non-attorney professionals to handle specific legal tasks could alleviate pressure where full legal representation is unavailable.
- Mentorship and Retention Programs – Experienced rural attorneys can play a vital role in guiding newcomers through the practical and business challenges of small-town practice.
- Community-Centered Models – Encouraging collaboration between legal, educational, and social service providers creates a stronger, more resilient support network for rural residents.
The goal is not only to recruit attorneys into rural communities but to build the infrastructure—both professional and personal—that keeps them there.
Why This Work Matters
The concept of “legal deserts” extends beyond geography—it represents the growing divide between those who have access to justice and those who do not. Rural communities form the backbone of America’s agricultural economy, yet often lack adequate legal support for land transactions, family business succession, estate planning, and regulatory compliance.
Rincker Law’s continued engagement with the ISBA’s Rural Practice Section reflects a deep commitment to narrowing that divide. The firm’s attorneys understand firsthand the legal challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural entrepreneurs, and actively contribute to policy discussions that aim to create lasting, practical change.
As Co-Editor of the ISBA Rural Practice Newsletter, Cari Rincker helps amplify the voices of attorneys who are shaping the future of rural legal practice. “We believe that the strength of rural communities depends on access to resources, to representation, and to relationships built on trust,” Rincker said. “Our goal is to ensure that no Illinois resident, no matter how remote their county, is left without access to quality legal counsel.”
About the Authors
Regan Booth and Sam Ellis are Associate Attorneys with Rincker Law, PLLC, focusing their practices on food, agriculture, and rural business law.
Cari Rincker is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Rincker Law, PLLC, concentrating her national practice in Food, Farm, and Family℠ Law. She currently serves as Co-Editor of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Rural Practice Newsletter.
FAQs About Rural Legal Practice and Rincker Law’s Role
What is the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Section?
The ISBA Rural Practice Section promotes the interests of attorneys who serve agricultural and rural communities, facilitates mentorship, and develops strategies to expand access to justice in underserved regions.
What is a “legal desert”?
A legal desert is an area with fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents, resulting in significant barriers to legal access for families and businesses.
How does Rincker Law support rural attorneys and clients?
Through mentorship, education, and thought leadership, Rincker Law fosters the next generation of agricultural attorneys and provides comprehensive legal services to rural clients across Illinois and beyond.
Can Rincker Law assist clients outside Illinois?
Yes. Rincker Law frequently collaborates with lawyers and clients nationwide on agricultural, business, family, and estate matters, providing strategic guidance grounded in rural experience.
Supporting Rural Communities Through Agricultural and Legal Expertise
At Rincker Law, supporting rural communities is not just part of the firm’s history, it’s part of its mission. By helping shape statewide conversations about the future of rural practice, Rincker Law continues to advocate for equal access to justice, stronger rural economies, and a thriving legal community dedicated to Food, Farm, and Family℠ values.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.rinckerlaw.com or call (217) 774-1373.