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.

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."

• Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law report (4.13 MB, PDF)

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