Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law has identified a significant shortage of lawyers in the state, ranking 44th in the nation for the ratio of residents to lawyers. In response to this problem, the school launched the Rural Justice Initiative in 2019 to encourage law students to practice in small communities that are lacking in legal representation.
Through this initiative, students are spending their summers assisting judges in rural courtrooms in southern Indiana by conducting factual and legal research, drafting opinions and orders, and gaining exposure to the shortage of lawyers in these areas. The shortage is partially the result of a wave of retirements among attorneys, leaving many counties with few lawyers available to provide legal services.
In addition to Maurer School of Law, Indiana University Indianapolis’ McKinney School of Law has also launched its own Rural Justice Initiative to support the offices of prosecutors and public defenders in rural areas. Many Indiana counties have a judge but lack sufficient legal representation, forcing residents to hire out-of-town attorneys or rely on video conferences for legal assistance.
The shortage of lawyers in these areas has left many Hoosiers unable to afford legal help, as they may not be poor enough to qualify for a public defender but still cannot afford a civil legal attorney. Furthermore, the issue of pay is also deterring recent law school graduates, who are burdened with debt, from practicing in small communities.
By addressing this shortage through initiatives like the Rural Justice Initiative, Indiana University Maurer School of Law and McKinney School of Law are working to ensure that all residents have access to legal representation, regardless of their location or financial circumstances.
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