Rural Justice Task Force

Background

Rural communities make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population but face unique barriers when it comes to accessing civil legal help. LSC created the Rural Justice Task Force in 2021 to examine these challenges and highlight solutions from rural practitioners and communities across the country.

The Task Force brings together leaders from legal aid, the judiciary, philanthropy, academia and rural-serving organizations to share knowledge, elevate promising practices and recommend strategies for closing the rural justice gap.

Areas of Focus

Attorney shortages

Too few lawyers work in rural areas, leaving many residents without access to legal help

Digital divide

Lack of reliable internet and technology limits access to virtual legal help and court services

Distance and transportation

Geographic isolation and scarce public transit make accessing court or reaching help difficult

Community trust and local needs

Effective solutions must be tailored to each community’s culture, values and circumstances

“Expanding access to justice in rural America depends on building trust – trust that begins with listening, understanding and respecting what matters most to local residents.”

Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities

Discover the Rural Task Force Report

Partners

LSC thanks the national law firm Quarles & Brady for providing valuable pro bono project assistance to the Task Force and Ascendium Education Group, Inc. , a philanthropic organization and federal loan guarantor committed to increasing access to and success in postsecondary education and training, for generously supporting this project.