Furry goats, a friendly cow, and a couple of cheery alpacas; lucky students at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law got a relaxing reprieve from finals preparation on Dec. 8 at a petting zoo event hosted by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and the Ohio State Bar Association.

“We heard from law students that they could use a bit of a break this time of year,” said Robby Southers, policy & justice initiatives counsel at the Foundation. “This was a fun way to connect with students and to talk to them about practicing in rural Ohio.”

In 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties, there is fewer than one private practice attorney to serve every 700 residents. In 57 of those counties, the problem is even more pronounced, with an attorney-to-population ratio of one to 1,500 or more. While this presents a challenge in meeting the legal needs of those communities, it also offers new and exciting opportunities for lawyers to build rewarding careers and make a difference.

To address the attorney shortage, the Foundation has been partnering with the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Association, and many other organizations that are working together as part of the Rural Practice Alliance. In addition to hosting events at law schools, the group has coordinated outreach at Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio FFA events in rural communities around the state to encourage high school students to consider a legal career.

For attorneys who commit to practicing in rural Ohio for a minimum of three years and who meet other requirements, the Rural Practice Incentive Program offers loan repayment assistance. The application period for the popular program is anticipated to open in early 2026.

“Our goal is to increase the number of attorneys practicing in rural counties so that all Ohioans can access high-quality legal services,” said Southers. “If it takes a petting zoo to entice students to learn more, we’re happy to oblige.”

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports Ohio’s legal aids.