The Missouri Bar's Special Committee on Rural Practice is asking rural residents to complete a short survey about their experiences accessing legal services.
The survey aims to gather data that will inform policy recommendations to ensure adequate legal representation across the state. Missouri Bar President Shelly Dreyer, who co-chairs the committee, noted that while concerns about rural legal access are widespread, the full scope of the issue remains unclear.
"The Missouri Bar's mission is to improve the lives of Missourians," Dreyer said. "That’s why this committee’s work is so important — it brings together data and perspectives to determine whether a shortage of attorneys exists in rural Missouri and what it means for access to justice."
Participants will be asked about their difficulties finding an attorney, acceptable travel distances and their interest in virtual appointments. All responses will remain anonymous.
Rural residents can complete the survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/RuralLegalSurvey.
