people in smaller communities, the legal profession can feel remote or abstract. They may know a single lawyer in town, but rarely see the daily work that lawyers do or the impact they have.
Ironically, the same rural character that makes it hard to attract new lawyers also makes the work of rural practitioners uniquely vital. Counties across North Dakota rely on solo and small-firm lawyers who handle everything from wills and estates to criminal defense, family law, and business formation. Yet the pipeline into those practices depends on students who not only attend law school but are willing to return home afterward.
At UND Law, we have sought to close that gap through programs like the Rural Justice Initiative and the externship placements that put students in courthouses and firms throughout the state. One recent graduate, now practicing in Bottineau, first discovered rural law through a UND externship. Stories like hers show that when students experience the rewards of small-town practice, they often choose to stay.
Changing Perceptions of the Profession
There’ s also a cultural shift at play. In recent years, the public perception of law as a noble, stable, and respected profession has become more complicated. Popular media and social commentary often portray law as adversarial, stressful, or overly bureaucratic. A January 2024 Gallup poll found only 16 % of the United States population rated lawyers’ honesty and ethical standards as“ high.”
Reconnecting young people to the ideals of the profession – fairness, advocacy, and service – requires visible examples of lawyers living those values. When students see lawyers engaged in community problemsolving, volunteering, mentoring, and policy work, they begin to understand law is not just about courts and contracts; it’ s about shaping the world we live in.
This is a reality we can’ t change overnight. But it does underscore the importance of early outreach – introducing the idea of law as a calling not at the end of college, but as early as high school or even middle school. The SBAND High School Mock Trial Competition is one example of this kind of outreach. Many students never seriously consider law because they’ ve never met a lawyer or imagined themselves in the role. Programs that bring attorneys into classrooms, sponsor mock trials, or connect students with mentors can help spark that first idea of“ I could do that.”
Conclusion: Keeping the Door Open
Law is a profession that depends on renewal – of ideas, of energy, and of people. When fewer North Dakotans apply to law school, we risk narrowing the pipeline of future leaders who will serve as judges, legislators, prosecutors, and advocates in the decades ahead.
Every member of the North Dakota bar can help keep that door open— by mentoring a student, speaking at a high school, or simply sharing what drew you to this profession. Together, we can ensure the next generation sees law not as distant or unattainable, but as the backbone of our state’ s communities.
We who work in the legal community know better: the law, at its best, is one of the most powerful tools for advancing justice, resolving conflict, and improving lives. But we can’ t assume that message communicates itself.
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