The Kansas Bar Association (KBA) is bringing its Day at the Capitol message directly to state legislators. Members of the KBA Rural Justice Attorneys Committee will be in Topeka on Wednesday, January 28, advocating for passage of Senate Bill 214, a comprehensive measure designed to address the growing shortage of attorneys in rural Kansas communities.

The bill creates two key incentive programs: an Attorney Training and Loan Repayment Program offering up to $20,000 per year for a maximum of five years, and a Law Student Training and Loan Program providing up to $30,000 annually for no more than three years. Both programs require participants to reside and work in rural communities, with law schools developing specialized “rural” curricula focused on business skills essential to the operation of solo practices and small firms.

Since 2022, the number of rural Kansas attorneys has been down by 5%, resulting in a net increase of nine counties with fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents. Currently, 31 Kansas counties fall below the American Bar Association’s recommended minimum of four attorneys per 1,000 residents, with two counties having no attorneys at all.

Rural residents face significant barriers when seeking legal representation. Without local attorneys, individuals must travel long distances to find counsel, adding substantial costs in time, transportation, and lost wages.

“The KBA has a fundamental responsibility to advocate for our profession and promote the effective administration of our justice system,” said KBA President Gregory A. Schwartz, of Hays, KS. “Senate Bill 214 represents a practical, collaborative solution that addresses these challenges head-on, strengthening both our legal profession and the communities we serve across Kansas.” Mr. Schwartz and other members of the committee are scheduled to visit with their local legislators throughout the day.

The KBA Rural Justice Attorneys Committee was established by the KBA Board of Governors in 2025 to address the unique needs and challenges of rural practitioners. The 30-member committee is chaired by David Rebein of Dodge City, KS.