What to Expect
The National Rural Access to Justice Convening, organized by LSAC in collaboration with the Association of American Law Schools and hosted by the University of Nebraska College of Law, brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including law school leaders and faculty, chief justices and judges from state and tribal courts, legal aid leaders, bar association representatives, and other key partners from across the legal community nationwide to foster collaboration around the most pressing access to justice challenges facing rural communities. Participants will develop practical, actionable solutions that can be implemented in the near term while also building a foundation for long-term systemic change.
Through facilitated discussions and cross-sector engagement, participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of the complementary roles played by different stakeholders
- Identify concrete next steps for advancing rural justice initiatives within their own jurisdictions
- Build connections across roles and regions to strengthen collaboration
- Generate the momentum needed to sustain and expand this work beyond the convening
The convening serves as both a catalyst for action and a platform for ongoing partnership in improving access to justice for rural communities. We look forward to walking on this path together.
Preparation and Pre-Read Material
Our time together will focus on solution exploration and community-based ideation. To help participants prepare to jump into discussions, please watch the pre-convening webinars and review briefs on the efforts of law schools and the latest insights on rural applicants.
Briefs and Webinars
Briefs
2025-26 Law School Rural Applicant Profile
Although fewer than 3% of applicants grew up in rural communities, rural applicants bring distinctive
educational, socioeconomic, military, and demographic experiences to the law school applicant pool. Read more in our 2025-2026 Law School Rural Applicant Profile.
Strengthening the U.S. Rural Law Pathway Brief
This brief offers an overview of how law schools are working to address rural access to justice challenges by recruiting students from rural areas, preparing them to practice in rural communities, and supporting graduates pursuing legal careers in rural locales. It also serves as a starting point for identifying opportunities to further support, develop, and build efforts in an even more coordinated and effective way.
Webinars
Opening the Door: Rural Pathways to Law School
For many individuals in rural communities, the path to legal professions can be difficult to navigate due to a number of factors including limited exposure, resources, and support networks. This webinar explored strategies for expanding awareness of legal careers, strengthening academic preparation, and building effective pathways that connect individuals from rural areas to law school and the legal profession.
View Opening the Door: Rural Pathways to Law School Webinar
Key Takeaways (PDF) for Opening the Door: Rural Pathways to Law School webinar
Preparing Tomorrow’s Rural Lawyers: Student Success and Community Impact
Law schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of attorneys to serve communities with unmet legal needs. This webinar explores how AALS and LSAC member schools are equipping students with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to build meaningful careers in rural practice and expand access to justice in underserved areas.
View Preparing Tomorrow’s Rural Lawyers: Student Success and Community Impact Webinar
Closing the Justice Gap: Expanding Legal Services in Rural Communities
Rural communities across the country face persistent challenges in accessing legal services. This webinar explores the barriers that contribute to these gaps and highlights innovative approaches to strengthening the rural legal workforce, modernizing service delivery, and expanding access to justice through policy, regulatory, and community-based solutions.
View Closing the Justice Gap: Expanding Legal Services in Rural Communities Webinar
Key Takeaways for Closing the Justice Gap: Expanding Legal Services in Rural Communities webinar
Agenda
Thursday, November 5
Grand Manse | 11 minute walk
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception (optional)
Friday, November 6
University of Nebraska College of Law | 12 minute drive
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Breakfast & Opening Activity
9:15 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Welcome and Call to Action
10:20 a.m. – 12 noon
Understanding the Landscape and Using Data
12 noon – 1 p.m.
Lunch
1 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Breakout sessions and building activities
4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reception – Sponsored by the Big Ten law schools and the Ohio State Bar Association
Saturday, November 7
University of Nebraska College of Law | 12 minute drive
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Regional Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Breakout sessions and building activities
11:15 a.m. – 12 noon
Individual and Group Goal Setting
12 noon – 12:30 p.m.
Debrief and Closing remarks; Boxed lunches available
Attendees
- 160+ attendees
- 60+ law schools
- 10+ Bar Associations
- 20+ courts
- 38 states
- Access to Justice organizations
- Prelaw advisors
- Pathway program directors
Site Information
University of Nebraska College of Law
1875 North 42nd Street
Lincoln, NE 68503Grand Manse (Reception Space)
129 North 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
Transportation and Parking
Transportation
Bus transportation will be provided between the hotel and the University of Nebraska College of Law on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, a bus will also be available from the law school to Lincoln Airport.
Friday, November 6
Departure time | Route |
7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m. | Hotel to College of Law |
5 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and 6 p.m. | College of Law to Hotel |
Saturday, November 7
Departure time | Route |
7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m. | Hotel to College of Law |
12:30 p.m. | College of Law to Lincoln Airport |
12:30 p.m. | College of Law to Hotel |
Departing on Saturday? Bring your luggage with you to the law school. Luggage storage will be available in the auditorium.
Parking
- At the hotel: If you are driving to the hotel, please park temporarily in the valet lane on 13th Street while you check in. Obtain a parking pass at check-in, then enter the parking garage.
- At the University of Nebraska College of Law: There is free parking available in the lot immediately adjacent to the college of law. Additional instructions will be provided on site.
Things to Do in Lincoln
Shopping/Restaurants
Historic Haymarket District
4 minute drive / 20 minute walk
Thursday, November 5 during the afternoon or evening; Friday evening; or Saturday after 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln’s best area for strolling, restaurants, shopping and drinks. Its historic brick streets are close to the Bourbon Theatre, Lied Center and other downtown nightlife.
More information about Historic Haymarket
Live Music and Theater
Ventura Boulevard: A Tom Petty Celebration
Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O Street
3 minute drive / 8 minute walk
Friday, November 6 at 8 p.m.; doors at 6:30 p.m.
A full evening of Tom Petty music at a downtown venue. This is probably the strongest live-music option for Friday night.
More information about Ventura Boulevard: A Tom Petty Celebration
Stars of RENT: Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp
Lied Center for Performing Arts
4 minute walk / 20 minute drive
Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Official event information and tickets
Karaoke
Beacon Lounge
311 S. 11th Street
3 minute drive / 6 minute walk
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, beginning around 9 p.m.
Museums and Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
8 minute drive / 14 minute walk
Thursday, November 5 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 between 12:30 and 5 p.m.
This free museum is located on the University of Nebraska campus near downtown. Its collection includes American art, sculpture and contemporary work.
More information about Sheldon Museum of Art
Museum of American Speed
7 minute drive / 43 minute walk
Saturday, November 7 between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.
One of Lincoln’s most highly rated attractions, with vintage automobiles, motorcycles, race cars, engines, pedal cars and automotive memorabilia. Visitors should allow at least two hours.
More information about the Museum of American Speed
Tours and Sightseeing
Nebraska State Capitol
3 minute drive / 7 minute walk
- Thursday, November 5: Free guided tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7: Free guided tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
The Capitol is an impressive Art Deco building filled with mosaics, murals and architectural details.
Robber’s Cave
10 minute drive / 1 hour 20 minute walk
Thursday, November 5 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., or Saturday, November 7 after 12:30 p.m., by advance appointment
This unusual underground history tour lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. The cave remains around 55°F and includes steps and uneven ground. Advance reservations are required.