A new American Bar Association report focuses on the benefits of diversity in the workplace, why it pays to hire lawyers with disabilities, and what the law requires of legal employers. The report discusses how disabilities affect lawyers in all sectors of the legal profession, identifies the most prominent disability categories, and outlines the most pressing needs of lawyers with disabilities.
Wisconsin Lawyer
Vol. 79, No. 12, December
2006
ABA report examines best practices for legal employers of lawyers
with disabilities
A new American Bar Association report focuses on the benefits of
diversity
in the workplace, why it pays to hire lawyers with disabilities, and
what the
law requires of legal employers. The report discusses how disabilities
affect lawyers in all sectors of the legal profession, identifies the
most
prominent disability categories, and outlines the most pressing needs
of lawyers
with disabilities.
Based on the proceedings of an ABA conference cosponsored by the
Commission
on Mental and Physical Disability Law and the federal Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission last May, the report offers information and
recommendations to
legal employers on "best practices," and legal and ethical
obligations as to
the hiring and retaining of, and providing accommodations for, lawyers
with disabilities.
Judge Richard S. Brown: Hire lawyers with
disabilities
Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Richard S. Brown of Waukesha, who
became severely hearing impaired after law school, was a conference
speaker.
Brown explained why lawyers with disabilities can bring unique
talents, knowledge,
and discipline to the workplace that other lawyers may not have
learned
or experienced.
"Chief Justice Abrahamson recently commented on the 'profound
cultural shift' that will require the courts to work in new ways,"
says Brown. "The same
holds true for the Bar. Wisconsin's citizenry is increasingly diverse,
more
globally connected, and less parochial than at any time in history.
Plus, our
citizens rely more on technology. Now is the time for Wisconsin's
lawyers to
seriously explore hiring lawyers who just happen to have disabilities.
Many of these
lawyers are no less bright, hard-working and knowledgeable about
technology and
law than any other perceived group of lawyers - sometimes more so.
And, hiring
a person with a disability sends a message that will be
well received by clients - that your firm is forward looking and
vital."
Wisconsin Lawyer
