Date of Award
Spring 6-13-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Degree Name
B.A. in Public Policy
Organizational Unit
Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Public Policy
First Advisor
Kaitlyn Sims
Second Advisor
Stefan Chavez-Norgaard
Third Advisor
Tanika Paz Suggs Vigil
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Legal deserts, Rural, Nevada, Legal representation, Law school, Student loans, William S. Boyd School of Law
Abstract
Despite the large number of attorneys in the United States, the disproportionate concentration of attorneys in urban areas leaves rural residents to navigate the complex legal system on their own. This uneven distribution creates ‘legal deserts’, or areas where residents lack access to attorneys. The Southwestern United States has especially dire legal deserts, and Nevada is no exception. While defendants in criminal matters are guaranteed legal representation, parties in civil legal issues are not granted the same right to representation. Civil legal issues largely impact vulnerable populations and can have profound impacts on individuals’ family, economic circumstances, and physical wellbeing. Policy intervention is essential to give rural residents access to attorneys to navigate the legal system. Past attempts to increase accessibility include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Boyd School of Law’s legal externship programs and the integration of rural issues into Boyd’s curriculum. Prior attempts have been inadequate, and more robust policy intervention is necessary. This thesis conducts a thorough analysis of Nevada’s legal system, population demographics, and geographic characteristics to determine the best approaches to address Nevada’s legal deserts. It concludes with a proposal for a partnership program with UNLV Boyd Law School. By implementing the proposed program, Nevada can work towards a more accessible justice system and enhance the wellbeing of its rural communities.
Copyright Date
4-15-2026
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Madelyn Wold
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
39 pgs
File Size
896 KB
Recommended Citation
Wold, Madelyn, "The Disproportionate Impact of Legal Deserts: A Policy Proposal to Address the Legal Needs of Rural Nevadans" (2026). Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals. 82.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/undergraduate_theses/82