Is Rural Law Right for You? 6 Surprising Reasons It Might Be
For many law students and new graduates from schools like the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law, the idea of rural practice might not be the first thing that comes to mind when imagining a successful legal career. Yet, for those who take the leap, practicing law in a place like Emporia or elsewhere in the Flint Hills of Kansas offers unmatched opportunities for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
1. Immediate, Meaningful Work
In rural practice, young attorneys often find themselves doing substantive, hands-on legal work right away. You won’t be stuck behind the scenes in document review for years — you’ll meet with clients, appear in court, and handle cases that make a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll build relationships with judges, opposing counsel, and community leaders, gaining valuable experience and professional respect early in your career.
Beyond that, many rural regions in Kansas face real challenges with access to legal representation — which means your presence truly matters. There’s great purpose and pride in meeting that need and helping ensure that justice is available to everyone, not just those in urban centers.
2. Deep Community Connection
Practicing in a rural area means becoming part of the lifeblood of a community. Your work directly impacts your neighbors, friends, and local businesses and organizations. Your work allows you to become as much of a community leader as you choose to be, and opportunities to engage in civic roles abound. You can run for political office; serve on boards and committees of local organizations; volunteer for charities and events you support; and participate in local causes you care about.
3. Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance
Outside of work, rural life offers a slower pace and a lower cost of living (about 15% lower than the national average) that make it easier to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. You can have a fulfilling career and still own a home, spend more time doing hobbies you enjoy, and spend less time in traffic. (How does a 5-minute commute sound?) At Harvest Legal, you’ll find we’re focused less on your billable hours goals and more on providing quality legal services to our incredible neighbors. In Emporia and the surrounding Flint Hills, the beauty of the landscape alone makes it worth it — from wide-open skies to rolling prairie hills and voted of the seven best sunset spots in the world.
4. Culture, Community, and Convenience
But rural doesn’t mean remote. Emporia, for example, is a university town rich in arts, culture, and dining. There’s live music, lectures, and local events drawing tourists from around the world all year long.
For those who love the outdoors, the region is known for its gravel cycling, disc golf, hiking, hunting, and other active pursuits.
There’s an active faith community with many solid churches to join and serve with.
You can choose to live in a vibrant, walkable downtown loft; a suburban-style home; or even sprawl out on acreage that’s still a close commute to your work.
Plus, Emporia sits at the center of it all — just a short drive from Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City, and Manhattan. You can easily enjoy city amenities whenever you want — and then return home to peace, space, lower crime rates, and community.
5. A Safe Haven for Raising a Family
There are several public and private school options if you’re raising children here, and you can have peace of mind about lower crime rates here than in the larger cities in the area. A healthy work-life balance means you don’t have to miss all the special moments and can be there for your child’s recitals, games, field trips and more. At Harvest Legal, you’re working with people who put family first and understand why you do too.
6. A Place to Build Something
Perhaps the most exciting part of rural practice is the opportunity to build. There’s growing demand and plenty of room for family, community and leadership. Whether you’re thinking about your legal career, your family, or your assets, there’s room to grow here.
Rural practice in Kansas isn’t a compromise — it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to do meaningful work, build a balanced life, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
If you would like to talk more about if rural law is right for you, reach out to us. We are passionate about our lives and our work here, and we love sharing about the opportunities you might enjoy here too.