“ One of the scholarship requirements is that I spread my time among various practice areas, so I’ ve taken some cases I wouldn’ t normally consider only because I needed to meet hour requirements,” she says.“ Initiatives like this are important because they help balance out the pro / con list for rural practice.”
Martin says that as a result of the growth of legal assistance in Petersburg, she has noticed residents are more likely to ask for help.
“ We see many people come through our doors looking for help with wills and powers of attorney,” she says.“ I think knowing they can get these documents drafted locally has encouraged them to do so when they might not have taken advantage of that service if they had to drive a significant distance to find an attorney.”
Though rural practice is rewarding, Martin says it can sometimes be difficult finding time to fit everything into her schedule. With attorneys in legal deserts having to cover multiple counties, tasks often pile up and
require a plethora of their services.
Martin is currently receiving court appointments in two circuits and five counties.
“ There’ s just not enough time in the day to do everything that’ s needed, especially when a significant portion of time is spent on the road,” she says.“ Despite that, there are many rewarding moments sprinkled throughout the day. My favorite moments are when I meet with the kids as part of my guardian ad litem duties. I’ ve been beaten at many Uno games in school counselors’ offices. Those are the best parts of my day.”
Tish Chafin, managing partner at The Chafin Law Firm in Williamson, WV, echoes this, saying it can be difficult for clients to travel to hearings and depositions in rural areas. She says to address these barriers and bring more lawyers to legal deserts, more encouragement and support is needed.
She explains that it is important for local lawyers to join public offices to educate future lawyers on the benefits of practicing in a legal desert
and says increasing public defender fees could help motivate attorneys to return home to practice.
“ Abuse and neglect cases unfortunately make up most of the cases on the docket in every circuit in the state,” she says.“ Having enough attorneys to provide representation to individuals in legal deserts is an important right that everyone deserves regardless of where they live.” •
Chafin stands in front of her office sign. Photo by Stacey Kohari.
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