New York State Bar Association and the Unified Court System Launch “Rural Ready” Initiative
1.12.2026
The New York State Bar Association, in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System, is launching Rural Ready, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen access to justice in rural communities by connecting attorneys with career opportunities across upstate New York.
The launch is taking place at the association’s Annual Meeting this week at the Hilton Midtown in New York City. Representatives from the program will be on site to introduce the initiative to lawyers and the public. Media interested in covering the program are asked to email Susan DeSantis at sdesantis@nysba.org.
At the center of the initiative is the Rural Ready website, a one-stop resource for attorneys considering relocating to rural New York. The platform provides attorney job postings and connects interested lawyers with local county ambassadors who can provide firsthand insight into practicing law and living in their communities.
“Rural communities across New York State need attorneys and Rural Ready is about making those connections real, personal, and sustainable,” said New York State Bar Association President Katheen Sweet. “This program supports attorneys not only with finding the next chapter of their careers, but it will strengthen communities.”
“Across beautiful rural upstate, there are ample professional opportunities for attorneys,” said Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry of the Appellate Division, Third Department. “However, many of these counties have a hard time broadcasting what is available. Rural Ready helps to close the rural justice gap by sharing information broadly. ”
A Statewide Partnership Focused on Opportunities
Rural Ready is a collaborative effort between the New York State Bar Association and the Unified Court System to improve access to justice while also addressing attorney recruitment and retention challenges in rural areas. The association called attention to the attorney shortage in its groundbreaking report on Rural Justice published in 2020.
Opportunities highlighted through the program span both the public and private sectors, including legal aid organizations, district attorney offices, solo practices, and small firms serving vibrant rural communities throughout New York State.
Through the Rural Ready website, attorneys will be able to:
- Browse attorney job postings from across rural New York.
- Connect with local county ambassadors about practicing and living in their communities.
- Access resources and contacts designed to support a smooth transition to a rural legal practice.
Who is Rural Ready For?
Rural Ready is open to attorneys at every career stage—newly admitted lawyers, mid-career practitioners, and experienced attorneys seeking a change of pace or renewed sense of purpose. Whether exploring public service or private practice, participants will find opportunities tailored to a range of professional interests and backgrounds.
For more information, visit NYRuralReady.com or email contact@nyruralready.com.
