Imagine needing a lawyer but not being able to find one nearby. This is becoming a reality for many Iowans. Across our state, especially in rural areas, there are fewer and fewer lawyers available to help people with their legal problems. These areas are called “legal deserts,” and they can make it hard for people to get the justice they deserve.
The numbers tell a worrying story
Let’s look at what’s happening. Almost half of Iowa’s counties have 10 or fewer lawyers, with 17 counties having less than five. Ringgold County has no lawyers at all.
Young attorneys often choose to practice in urban areas, which exacerbates the issue. A recent survey found that less than 9% of new law school graduates plan to live and work in rural Iowa. That means small towns and rural areas are losing out on fresh legal talent.
Why aren’t attorneys staying in Iowa?
One of the main reasons why lawyers aren’t staying in Iowa is money. Law school is expensive, and many graduates end up with over $90,000 in debt. When they’re faced with job offers that might only pay $40,000 or $50,000 a year in rural areas, it’s hard for them to make ends meet.
Another issue is that lawyer pay in Iowa is among the lowest in the country. This makes it tough to attract and keep lawyers, especially in smaller communities. This shortage of lawyers is really hurting Iowans who need legal help. In divorce cases, for example, at least one person had to represent themselves in two-thirds of the cases last year.
A ray of hope
While the situation is tough, there are still Iowa dedicated personal injury lawyers working hard to serve Iowans in rural areas. At Galligan Law, we are committed to serving the entire state of Iowa, offering knowledge in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents and medical malpractice.
Whether you are in Sioux City, Des Moines, Urbandale, Waterloo-Cedar Falls or Waukee, our attorneys provide dedicated legal services to help you with your needs.