SBAND PRESIDENT
SBAND PRESIDENT
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF ATTORNEYS IN RURAL AREAS
TAYLOR OLSON SBAND President
This month , I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart : access to justice and legal representation in rural communities and counties .
If you are not already aware , in 2021 , the North Dakota Senate passed a bill enacting the “ Rural Attorney Recruitment Program ” in North Dakota , granting four individuals the ability to participate in the program and receive a loan forgiveness for providing services in rural counties . In 2023 , that program was expanded to provide grants for eight individuals . Since its inception , the program has been successful in providing opportunities for practitioners in these areas .
The lack of attorneys in rural areas is not a new issue in our profession , but recently , this issue has made many headlines . North Dakota is one of many states to enact such legislation , hoping to provide some assistance to areas where practitioners don ’ t typically seek out jobs .
The stats used to support the legislation in 2021 are mind boggling . At the time , there were five counties in North Dakota with no attorneys and 35 counties with fewer than 10 attorneys . In 2021 , 62 % of the licensed attorneys in North Dakota worked in Fargo and Bismarck / Mandan .
The most staggering statistic is the percentage of attorneys left after removing the more populous counties . If you add up the number of attorneys from Williams , Ward , Grand Forks , Cass , Stark , and Burleigh / Morton , those seven counties made up almost 87 % of the attorneys in North Dakota . That means the other 46 counties contain the other 13 % of practicing attorneys .
The presence of attorneys in all areas plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice , safeguarding rights , and fostering the well-being of communities . While urban centers often receive more attention in legal discourse , the importance of attorneys in rural settings cannot be overstated .
One of the primary functions of attorneys in rural areas is to provide legal representation for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access legal services . Many rural residents face unique challenges , including limited resources and geographic isolation . Attorneys bridge this gap by offering legal counsel , advocating for their clients , and navigating complex legal procedures .
The services attorneys can provide ensure a stronger and more effective legal system . They are a key component of a highly functional judicial system . The effect of having the bulk of attorneys in more urban counties is more cost to the client and less access to justice . Jobs such as city and county attorneys , both prosecuting and defense counsel , are left unfilled . The costs to the counties and cities of traveling attorneys are passed on to the taxpayer in some instances and to the client in others . Often , attorneys have to travel long distances to provide constitutionally guaranteed services to citizens .
Moreover , attorneys in rural areas contribute significantly to community development . They play a crucial role in supporting local businesses , assisting local government , facilitating land transactions , and addressing issues related to agriculture and other industries , which is often the backbone of rural economies . By fostering legal stability , attorneys help create an environment conducive to economic growth and sustainability .
Access to justice is a fundamental right , and attorneys in rural areas act as guardians of this right . They contribute to the social fabric by providing legal aid to those who may be marginalized or underserved . By doing so , attorneys strengthen the democratic principles that underpin a just society , ensuring justice is not a privilege but a right for all citizens , regardless of their geographical location .
In conclusion , the role of attorneys in rural areas extends far beyond legal representation . They are key players in shaping the socioeconomic landscape , resolving disputes , and upholding the principles of justice . Recognizing and supporting the vital work of attorneys in rural areas is essential for fostering thriving communities where the rule of law prevails , ensuring a brighter future for all residents .
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