About Us
Harvesters of Hope exists to grow the legal profession in Alabama’s small towns and underserved communities. Our mission is to improve access to justice, strengthen the administration of the courts, support economic development, and help revitalize Alabama's small towns.
We believe in the power of legal empowerment to transform lives, strengthen communities, and drive positive change.
The Challenge: Alabama's Legal Deserts
A legal desert is defined by the American Bar Association as any county where there is one lawyer for every 1,000 residents. In Alabama, 42 of 67 counties meet this threshold.
These shortages impact:
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Access to justice for everyday legal needs
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Court efficiency and case management
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Availability of future judges, prosecutors, and community leaders
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Business growth, entrepreneurship, and economic vitality
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The overall resilience and stability of small towns
Meanwhile, 78% of Alabama’s lawyers are concentrated in only seven counties. When the legal profession disappears from a community, the effects ripple through every aspect of civic life.
Our Approach
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Providing financial incentives for new lawyers to establish rural practices
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Offering mentoring from experienced attorneys
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Supporting lawyers with incubators and law practice management resources
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Partnering with local leaders, courts, and organizations to promote long-term community investment