Making Inroads through Backroads
UB School of Law’s Rural Justice Initiative
Published June 26, 2026
When you consider law school and a future career in the legal field, your dream is usually simple: to make a real difference. Whether it’s inside or outside the courtroom, or stretching across the myriad fields and disciplines, seeking justice and bettering your community is a top goal. But what if the communities that need lawyers most are the ones with the fewest attorneys available?
That’s the driving question that UB School of Law’s Rural Justice Initiative seeks to answer in spades. It’s a growing effort to introduce students to the meaningful, high‑impact work available in New York’s rural counties, and improve those communities in the process.
Read on to discover how UB Law is opening doors to these opportunities, and how you can be part of the next generation of lawyers expanding access to justice.
Why Rural Practice Matters
Bernadette Gargano, vice dean for experiential education and social justice initiatives; and adjunct instructor, Hon. Michael Mohun ’80.
Even though they are facing a growing shortage of legal professionals, New York counties offer some of the most rewarding opportunities for young lawyers ready to step in, serve and lead. Despite being outside more densely populated areas, these counties can hold large populations served only by a small number of attorneys, many of whom are nearing retirement. That means fewer lawyers available for essential roles in public defense, family court representation, civil legal services and more.
“Not only is there a current crisis in representation, but the crisis is getting worse as attorneys retire,” says Vice Dean Bernadette Gargano, co-lead of the new Rural Justice Initiative. “Critical constitutional protections are also at issue, especially in mandated assigned counsel programs for criminal defense and family court issues involving children. And nearly 40 percent of rural attorneys report being unable to make referrals because no suitable attorneys are available in clients’ geographic areas.”
For future lawyers, this crucial absence represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
UB Law’s Rural Justice Initiative, led by Gargano and retired Wyoming County Judge Hon. Michael Mohun ’80, is designed to help students see what rural practice really looks like: rewarding work, strong professional relationships and the chance to build a career that will have the most impact.
Students exploring rural practice often discover:
- Close collaboration with judges, attorneys and community leaders
- A strong sense of purpose and connection
- A lifestyle that balances professional work with community life
And that’s just the benefits for the students—not to mention the boon for the communities themselves. “This could be a sea change in driving students to rural practice,” explained Mohun. “We want to introduce these young law students to the rural practice world, and we want them to be embraced by these communities.”
Real Experience, Real Impact
To help students explore this path, UB Law has partnered with the New York State Office of Court Administration to create Rural Pathways, a program funding paid summer internships in rural court systems across the state.
“Some of our students are from rural counties, so the idea of serving their neighbors has great appeal,” says Marc Davies ’03, senior associate director for career services at UB Law. “But also, there’s more of an opportunity to balance your professional life with outside interests and hobbies, especially if you like the outdoors and nature.”
Did UB Law students embrace the opportunity? You bet they did! In fact, they earned more Rural Pathways placements than any other law school in New York State. And the experience doesn’t end there. The Rural Justice Initiative is also developing:
- A specialized curriculum focused on rural legal issues
- A Rural Justice Scholars program, offering 3Ls a full‑time semester in a rural legal office while earning academic credit
- Scholarship support, including the new Norman P. Effman ’68 Scholarship, for students committed to serving rural communities
For students like Connor Whitney ’26, the inaugural Effman Scholar, these opportunities are life‑changing. “I’ve always wanted to do rural criminal defense,” remarked Whitney, who grew up in the small town of Cuba in Allegany County with a population of just 3,000. “That’s been my dream the whole time.”
A Pathway for Students with Purpose
If you’re a prospective student, the Rural Justice Initiative offers a powerful pathway, including:
- Hands‑on experience early in your legal education
- A career where your work has immediate impact
- A chance to serve communities that truly need you
You don’t need to come from a rural background to thrive in rural practice. UB Law’s programming is the perfect place to discover this ripe opportunity if you find yourself drawn to both the people you can impact and the sense of purpose you’ll gain.
Your Legal Career, Your Impact
UB School of Law is committed to preparing lawyers who serve every corner of New York State, from cities to suburbs and beyond. Through internships, scholarships, mentorship and hands‑on training, the Rural Justice Initiative helps students step into roles where they can change lives and strengthen communities.
If you’re exploring law schools and wondering where your degree can take you, consider the backroad less traveled. Rural counties need passionate, committed advocates, and UB Law can help you become one of them.
Why not start here?