Bridging the Gap: Law Grad Returns Home to Serve Rural Ohio

Bridging the Gap: Law Grad Returns Home to Serve Rural Ohio

From an early interest in the legal profession to extensive hands-on experience, Megan Rockey's path to the law has been shaped by passion, purpose and a deep connection with her rural community.

Rockey, a Bryan, Ohio, native, will graduate Sunday, May 10, from The University of Toledo College of Law. She previously earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and an associate degree in paralegal studies from UToledo in 2023.

Her interest in law began in the sixth grade and was reinforced during high school through work at a Bryan law firm.

While completing her associate degree, she developed practical skills working with the Williams County Common Pleas Court, later gaining hands-on experience through summer positions at small law firms in Bryan and Defiance.

She chose to attend Toledo Law because it was close to home, allowing her to work, attend classes and build professional connections in her hometown simultaneously.

Rick Goheen, assistant dean for the LaValley Law Library, praised her dedication to returning home.

"With her prior work experience in Bryan, she knows what it's like to live and learn and lead in a relatively small town in Northwest Ohio," Goheen said. "Megan has made the most of her Toledo education; she's resourceful and approachable and relatable, and rural Northwest Ohio needs more lawyers like her."

Access to legal services in rural communities remains a critical issue across the state. According to the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 90 percent of Ohio counties currently lack adequate legal representation.

"The simple answer is that there are not enough attorneys for all the work that needs to be done," Rockey said.

During interviews with multiple firms, Rockey consistently heard that rural legal practices are overwhelmed, with firms forced to turn away clients or narrow their focus. Despite the heavy workloads, she sees rural practice as an exciting opportunity.

"In a rural community, it is a general practice because people want to go to the same lawyer for everything," she said. "For me, that's exciting because no day is going to be the same, and you are constantly gaining more practice."

As she prepares to take the next step in her career, Rockey is working at Richards and Walker in Bryan. She plans to spend the rest of her career in Williams County, where she sees lasting opportunities for both professional growth and family life.