COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Rural communities across Ohio are facing a growing crisis, with the Ohio State Bar Association warning of a shortage of attorneys.

Not only does this make their jobs harder, but it also keeps the justice system further out of reach for many Ohioans.

“That means that people have to wait to talk to an attorney,” Ohio State Bar Association CEO Mary Amos Augsburger said. “They may not even be able to see one that is close in their community so they’ll have to travel.”

According to the Ohio Bar, in 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties, there is fewer than one private practice attorney to serve every 700 residents. In 57 counties, there is less than one for every 1,500 residents.

“Our hope is a lot of those students will consider a rural practice when they graduate,” she said.

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