A new report from the Virginia State Bar (VSB) has revealed a troubling reality – 1 in 4 Virginians lack easy access to an attorney due to their geographic location. The 170-page “Report on the Entry, Growth and Distribution of Virginia Attorneys (EGAD-VA)” highlights the prevalence of “legal deserts” in the Commonwealth, particularly in rural communities. The VSB emphasized that ensuring all Virginians have meaningful access to legal services is a critical issue, as more than 40% of households in the state already struggle to afford legal services. The report pointed out the concerning trend of unrepresented litigants appearing in Virginia courts, especially in cases affecting family matters, housing, economic stability, and the safety of domestic violence survivors. According to the report, 44% of Virginia localities are classified as legal deserts, with less than one active attorney per 1,000 residents. This means that over a quarter of Virginians reside in areas with limited legal representation.
