Ad Cites Town’s ‘Dire Need for an Attorney’
The town of Sedan, Kan., has a lawyer shortage, according to an ad in the state’s bar journal.
“WE, THE PEOPLE of Sedan, Kan., have a dire need for an attorney,” the ad reads. “Chautauqua County has one remaining attorney who is looking forward to retirement. … Sedan can provide a good future and a stable law practice in a beautiful rural setting.”
The ad invites interested lawyers to send an ad to Dick Jones, a real estate broker who says five people have sent resumés and two appear to be interested. Jones says he’s merely inviting the lawyers to come set up practice in the town rather than offering to hire them.
The town’s lone lawyer, Larry King, has practiced law for 26 years, dealing mostly with real estate and oil and gas matters and with estate planning. When he first starting working in the town, King tells the ABA Journal, there were five lawyers. Since then, two have died, one left and another became a judge.
King says he would welcome new lawyers to the town, but the ad’s reference to a “dire need” for lawyers “seems to be a stretch.” He cautions that Sedan has only 1,300 residents, and income could be limited for a new lawyer.
Is he looking forward to retirement? “Aren’t we all,” King replies. “But no, I’m not on the verge on that.”
