Honorable Elizabeth A. Garry, 16th Presiding Justice for New York State's Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department. Courtesy photoThe Ever-Deepening Crisis in Rural Legal Representation
The author writes "In sum, the vistas are beautiful, the opportunities are many and meaningful, and the schools are good. Are you ready for a change of pace, tired of those awful commutes, and do you love the outdoors? Look to the small country places. We need you here. You may not build extraordinary wealth – but you can make a solid living, and a good life, practicing law in our rural communities. There is a rural representation crisis; you can make a difference."
January 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
5 minute read
At the Chief Judge's 2024 Hearing on Civil Legal Services held in September 2024, one speaker after another spoke about the ever-deepening crisis in rural legal representation and the lack of access to legal services in our rural communities. The speakers were powerful advocates, dedicated professionals immersed in delivering justice to under-privileged and vulnerable clients. I commend their efforts and their testimony, available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZtO4Z-9BMQ.
The subject is close to my heart, as I have had a first-row seat over the span of my own career to witness the erosion, and what now must be called the decimation, of rural law practice. Although I have written and spoken on this subject many times, it must be revisited. I have described various attempts to address this growing concern, notably including the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Rural Justice, initiated by past President Hank Greenberg. That comprehensive review and its recommendations, issued in April of 2020, remain wholly relevant – and largely unrealized – now almost five years later, as conditions deteriorate and our rural citizens continue to grapple with unmet legal needs. I again suggest this report be utilized. Here is the link, together with a link to my 2023 article (https://nysba.org/app/uploads/2020/04/Report-Task-Force-on-Rural-Justice-April-2020-.pdf; https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2023/01/17/the-rural-representation-crisis/).
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