The ever-diminishing pool of rural practitioners is a generational crisis confronting the legal profession. This is one person’s story to find a home in rural practice.
Growing up on my family’s dairy farm in rural Ohio, I never anticipated that my path would lead me to a career in law. Agriculture was my world, filled with hard work and tradition. However, as I begin my legal career, I am increasingly aware of the similarities between farming and law. Both fields are at a crossroads, facing a generational crisis that threatens the very foundation of rural life. As farmers age without clear successors, rural attorneys are also retiring without anyone to take their place. This issue goes beyond professionalism; it’s deeply personal. As a farmer’s daughter who has now become an attorney, I feel an urgent need to help preserve these traditions in Ohio’s rural communities.
Changing the Narrative: Rural Life Is Rich in Opportunity
When I tell people I practice agricultural law, they’re often surprised. Many overlook rural areas as hubs for legal careers, yet the relationships I’ve built with clients – many of whom feel like lifelong friends – are unlike those you’d find anywhere else. There is trust, history and a deep sense of purpose in helping people protect their way of life. Farming and law may seem worlds apart, but both are about continuity and preserving one generation’s work for the next. By mentoring, supporting programs like FFA and 4-H and addressing the rural attorney shortage, we can ensure a secure future for rural Ohio.
Growing Need for Rural Attorneys
The demand for legal services in rural Ohio extends beyond agriculture. Many counties have only a handful of attorneys, leading to overwhelmed practitioners and long wait times, especially for low-income residents relying on public defenders. The scarcity of civil attorneys exacerbates issues in child welfare and elder care, with critical cases facing unnecessary delays. Of Ohio’s 88 counties, 82 qualify as legal deserts, with less than one attorney per 700 residents. Without more professionals filling these roles, our rural legal system will not meet growing needs.
Aging Farmers and the Challenge of Succession Planning
The crisis isn’t limited to the legal field. The average Ohio farmer is nearing 60, and many are approaching retirement. Succession planning is critical for families who want to keep their farms in operation. These discussions can be emotional, as they involve more than just land and assets – they’re about preserving a legacy. Farmers want to ensure that their life’s work isn’t lost to corporate buyouts or urban development while also treating their children fairly.
I’ve witnessed the vital role our family lawyer played in transitioning our farm from my grandfather’s generation to my father’s. Our family’s farming legacy spans generations, but following the sudden loss of my grandfather, a stroke affecting my great uncle and the unexpected passing of my uncle, the future of our farm became uncertain. The succession planning we implemented was crucial in navigating those turbulent times.
Now, my parents are actively managing the farm and preparing for the next generation. This personal journey fuels my passion for helping other families tackle the complex emotional and legal aspects of succession planning. Without careful preparation, farms risk being lost to corporate buyouts or divided among heirs – it’s not just about the land, it’s about preserving a way of life.
In many rural Ohio counties, stories like mine are common, highlighting the need for skilled legal professionals familiar with the unique challenges of rural communities, especially as the number of such attorneys continues to decline.
Importance of Specialized Legal Knowledge
In rural communities, especially in agricultural law, specialized legal expertise is essential. Farmers face complex challenges, from land disputes to succession planning, and need attorneys who truly understand farm life.
As seasoned rural attorneys retire, farmers increasingly seek professionals who can help preserve their legacies. The decline of these knowledgeable lawyers removes vital support for rural communities.
At my firm of Wright & Moore, we are dedicated to guiding farmers through the intricate processes of estate and succession planning. We work closely with farm families to create tailored estate plans, using methods such as family meetings to discuss goals, conflict resolution strategies and detailed assessments of both on-farm and off-farm heirs. This approach may include integrating LLC operating agreements and developing leaseback provisions, along with first rights of refusal, to ensure family farms remain intact.
For our clients, succession planning is more than a transaction; it is a commitment to preserving generations of hard work and ensuring a secure future for their families. By partnering with us, farmers can navigate the complexities of farm succession, protecting their legacies and contributing to the vitality of Ohio’s agricultural heritage.
Investing in the Next Generation: FFA, 4-H and Loan Forgiveness
Securing the future of rural Ohio requires investing in the next generation. Programs like FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H are essential for shaping young leaders, teaching them agricultural skills alongside values like leadership and community service. These programs were vital to my upbringing on the farm and helped me develop the skills, responsibility and dedication that led me to a career in law.
Furthermore, governmental policy must attract young professionals to rural areas, especially in law. The financial burden of student loans can deter many from pursuing these paths, but programs like the Ohio Rural Practice Incentive Program (a loan forgiveness initiative which the Ohio Bar is currently advocating be expanded) offer hope. Expanding loan forgiveness and creating housing incentives will make rural legal careers more appealing, ensuring that small towns have access to essential legal services. The future of these communities depends on it.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
My journey from a dairy farm to becoming an attorney highlights the deep connection between these worlds. The challenges farmers and rural attorneys face are crucial for our communities’ survival.
We all play a role in keeping rural Ohio vibrant. By supporting the next generation and addressing the shortage of professionals, we can preserve family-owned farms and ensure access to legal services. By addressing the attorney shortage and investing in rural youth, we can ensure that family farms endure and that rural Ohio continues to thrive for generations.
