Dear Arkansas Lawyer,

The shortage of lawyers in rural communities is an issue that has attracted national attention, with a cover story in the October issue of the ABA Journal. It is a problem that poses a real threat to the administration of justice in rural Arkansas. If swift action is not taken to address this disparity, the accident of where in Arkansas someone lives will likely determine their access to legal services and to courts.

We need your input regarding the shortage of lawyers in rural communities in Arkansas and possible solutions to this problem. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback by taking this survey. The deadline for responding is midnight on Friday, January 30. This survey is being conducted through a joint effort of the University of California, Davis, and the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission.

Thank you for your time and your interest in this important issue.

Jim Hannah, Chief Justice

Arkansas Supreme Court