With growing populations downstate, declining populations upstate and aging populations statewide, our communities—whether rural, metropolitan or suburban—are facing evolving obstacles to ensuring access to justice for all New Yorkers. During my first year as Presiding Justice of the Third Department many attorneys have shared their concerns about the availability of legal services, and particularly in the rural regions, as many are located within my Department. The geographical and demographic circumstances in rural settings pose unique challenges, and these are issues that our court system, legal service providers, and other stakeholders are actively working to address.

Recognizing that many of my readers will be in urban areas, let me begin by stating that there are multiple opportunities for a successful legal career outside of urban settings; and there is great joy to be found in a quiet small town or rural setting. Our upstate communities are not particularly diverse, but neither are they hostile to diversity. The people residing in our towns, villages, and farm communities are much more likely to be broad-minded and big hearted than the opposite; I share this observation based upon decades of personal experience. So, to any readers wondering whether their quality of life may be enhanced by a closer connection to nature, let me clearly say that mine has been, and more than that, that I have never lacked opportunities for personal and career growth and service while living in rural upstate communities. These are communities filled to overflowing with history and beauty—and populated by good neighbors.