Indiana State Bar Association Releases Plan to Address Indiana's Attorney Shortage

INDIANAPOLIS (April 18, 2025) – The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) has developed an Attorney Shortage Plan to address one of the most urgent challenges facing Indiana’s legal system: a growing shortage of attorneys, particularly in rural and underserved communities. 

According to data from the Indiana Supreme Court, over half of Indiana counties have fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents. This meets the American Bar Association’s definition of a “legal desert,” meaning many Hoosiers struggle to access basic legal help.

In early 2024, ISBA launched three task forces made up of attorneys, judges, legal educators, and community leaders to discuss potential solutions to this challenge. Their work was shaped by additional member feedback during breakout sessions at the 2024 ISBA Annual Summit, as well as input from the Indiana Supreme Court. In addition to practitioner-focused efforts led by the ISBA, the plan is also designed to inform the work of the Court’s Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future. 

The Attorney Shortage Plan is built around three core pillars:

1. Rural Practice and Alternative Business Models
   ISBA will launch an entrepreneurial incubator program, develop on-demand law practice training, and build a rural practice resource hub on its website. ISBA will also explore partnerships and policy advocacy to incentivize rural legal work and support practice transitions in underserved areas.
2. Paths to Licensure and Practice Readiness
   To better prepare new lawyers, ISBA will expand connections between law students and the private bar through internships, externships, and pro bono opportunities. ISBA will continue supporting bar exam reforms and remain an active voice in discussions about alternative licensure pathways, including apprenticeships or experiential portfolios.
3. Allied Legal Professionals (ALPs)
   Should the Court move forward with implementing an ALP model in Indiana, ISBA stands ready to protect the integrity of the profession and ensure attorneys’ perspectives are represented in the process. The Association aims to play a key role in educating the legal community about ALPs and may serve as a training provider for future legal support professionals.

"This comprehensive approach represents our commitment to ensuring that Indiana citizens have access to quality legal representation, regardless of where they live." said ISBA President Michael Jasaitis. "By tackling attorney shortages through multiple pathways, we're taking proactive steps to strengthen the future of Indiana's legal landscape."

To view the full Attorney Shortage Plan and learn more about ISBA’s work related to access to justice, visit: inbar.org/attorneyshortageplan.

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Media Contact:
Megan Purser
Communications Manager
mpurser@inbar.org