Spotlight on Rural Practice Section Council Member: Ean R. Albers

In this continuing Q&A series, we highlight the backgrounds, interests, and experiences of our members in a conversational “Member Spotlight” format.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a legal career, particularly in a rural setting?
A: My grandfather, Robert Albers, was the last farmer in our family and later taught agriculture after earning degrees at the University of Illinois. I spent many hours with him talking about grain and soil judging, surveying, real estate markets, insurance, caring for our small flock of chickens, and assisting with his seemingly year-round garden activities. Being a member of Nabor House Fraternity as an undergrad also gave me a strong connection to farm and rural communities, which is why I gravitate toward serving farm families today. I was drawn to my present firm after reading about Attorney Jim Grebe’s work for farm families, grain elevators, and agricultural businesses, and by our firm’s reputation as agricultural attorneys.

Q: What areas of law have you focused on throughout your career?
A: I started at a small firm in Peru, Illinois, working in education law along with estate planning and real estate. Handling estate planning and real estate during COVID taught me to adapt quickly in a constantly changing environment, and I am grateful to Attorneys Walt Zukowski and Jim Peters for their guidance in my early years.

Q: Did you always intend to practice in a rural area? Why or why not?
A: Yes. I grew up rural and wanted to help rural clients, especially farm families, and have never been a fan of traffic or being in a hurry. City life has never been the life for me. Our main office has 16 attorneys in downtown Peoria, and our Lacon office allows me to meet clients in a smaller setting.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your legal career?
A: Solving problems and learning every day. I enjoy when colleagues with forty-plus years of experience have not seen an issue I am handling, and we work together to find the most effective path for the client.

Q: What aspects of the practice are most challenging or frustrating?
A: AI tools and subscription services have changed how clients view and value legal work. Many arrive with very niche questions, so explaining the value of tailored advice can take time, but it is rewarding when complex matters end well.

Q: Is there anything you are actively working to change or improve in the legal system or your practice environment?
A: The rural practice pipeline. I grew up in a town of 600, and the nearest law offices were 10 to 15 miles away. Many attorneys are nearing retirement without succession plans. On the Section Council, I support efforts that attract lawyers to underserved communities and/or law firms that tailor their services to rural areas.

Q: How can the Rural Practice Section Council better support attorneys in rural areas?
A: Start early and stay involved. Promote high school job shadowing, show up at career fairs, and keep investing in programs and mentorship. Also address finances, since many new lawyers pick higher paying firms to manage student loan repayment unless rural firms offer clear mentorship and a path to take over a practice.

Q: Are there services, programs, or initiatives you would like to see ISBA expand or implement?
A: I would love regular profiles of retired attorneys in ISBA publications, sharing how they are spending their retirement, why they retired, and lessons they learned and/or wished they learned during their practicing years. That would give newer lawyers real guidance.