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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S L AW / P O L I C Y "ey can try to 'go it on their own' facing the com- plexities of the legal process without help, sometimes in the face of a represented opponent," says Soucy. "e system is not well designed to avoid bad outcomes in these types of situations. Or they can abandon their claim and live with it. Neither outcome is consistent with a well-functioning justice system." 'Why go to Fort Kent?' Practicing in a rural area was a no-brainer for Fowler. He grew up in rural communities, primarily in North Carolina, with an appreciation for small communities and a helping culture. After a 20-year career with the U.S. Army and the Coast Guard, his final station was in Maine. Being an attorney met his community-oriented goals, so he enrolled at Maine Law. Early on in Fort Kent, "e first client contact is a little nerve-wracking," he says. "But I also found it excit- ing in the fact that I get to help someone out and poten- tially give them leg up or remove a burden in their life." Emma Pooler graduated from Maine Law this year and is now an associate with Bangor-based Eaton Peabody's Portland office. She worked with Fowler during the clinic's inaugural semester. A Fort Kent native, Pooler says the clinic is great for helping other aspiring attorneys experience the rewards of living in a rural area. "I think it's really hard to convince law students, or any young person, to move to a rural community where they've never been, especially one in northern Aroostook County," Pooler says. "A lot of people would say, 'Why would you go to Fort Kent? Why would you move hours away from the big city?'" But she says the clinic is a great way to immerse students not only in Aroostook County but in the legal world, in a way that gives students the opportunity to learn practical knowledge that they otherwise We're proud to offer a wide selection of metal roofing and siding products. Give your home or business the color and style you're looking for with the durability and quality that only metal roofing and siding can provide. NOW OFFERING Screw Down Metal Roofing for just $3.39 per linear foot WAREBUTLER.COM FREE DELIVERY ACROSS THE STATE metals@warebutler.com STANDARD COLORS ONLY Free strapping available for pick-up at our Stillwater and Palmyra locations Visit one of our stores, or email us using the contact form on our website, for more information on these products. Advertised price for limited time C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E ยป P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Leigh Saufley, dean of Maine Law, says Maine's rural practice clinic in Fort Kent is one of only a few in the country.