Ohio Bar Leaders Gather at UT Law to Address Legal Representation Gap in Rural Areas

Toledo, United States – May 17, 2026 / Zoll & Kranz: Toledo Car Accident & Injury Lawyer /

Toledo, Ohio – Michelle Kranz, founding attorney at Zoll & Kranz, recently took part in a panel discussion at The University of Toledo College of Law, centered on expanding access to legal services in rural Ohio communities.

The panel was hosted by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and the Ohio State Bar Association, bringing together legal leaders to examine the value of practicing law outside major metropolitan areas and the distinct challenges rural residents encounter when seeking legal representation.

The discussion was moderated by Ohio Bar CEO and Foundation Board President Mary Amos Augsburger.

Panelists included:

Justice Dan Hawkins, Supreme Court of Ohio
State Senator Theresa Gavarone (University of Toledo College of Law, Class of 1993)
Michelle Kranz, attorney at Zoll & Kranz (University of Toledo College of Law, Class of 1993)

Throughout the event, Senator Gavarone and her fellow panelists stressed the need to broaden legal services in underserved regions, pointing to both the professional opportunities available to attorneys and the pressing need for accessible legal representation across rural parts of the state.

“[The panel] discussed the importance of practicing law in rural Ohio and how we can improve access to legal services in these parts of the state,” said Senator Gavarone.

Kranz’s participation reflects Zoll & Kranz’s continued commitment to serving not only clients in Toledo, but also individuals and families in rural communities throughout northwestern Ohio. The firm acknowledges that many rural residents, including farmers and agricultural business owners, face significant barriers to obtaining reliable legal counsel.

As part of its work, Zoll & Kranz offers legal services tailored to these communities, including agricultural law support alongside its personal injury practice. By extending services beyond urban centers, the firm works to ensure that residents in rural areas have meaningful access to experienced legal representation.

“Access to justice should not depend on geography,” said Kranz. “Our goal is to meet clients where they are and provide the same level of service and advocacy, whether they are in Toledo or in a rural farming community.”

The event reflects a broader statewide effort to encourage attorneys to practice in rural regions and to develop practical solutions that improve legal access for underserved populations.

“Addressing the need for attorneys in our rural communities was the central focus of my Ohio State Bar Presidency,” said Kranz. Her firm, Zoll & Kranz, continues to advance that mission through its work across northwestern Ohio.

About Zoll & Kranz, LLC

Zoll & Kranz is a Toledo-based law firm dedicated to providing legal services in personal injury and agricultural law. The firm serves clients throughout northwestern Ohio, with a focus on delivering accessible, responsive, and effective representation to both urban and rural communities.