Legally disabled? The career experiences of disabled people in the legal profession in England & Wales: developing future strategies

This project is based in Wales and England. This is a large research project and will be coproduced in partnership with Cardiff University’s Business School, the Lawyers for Disability Division, the Law Society, the Bar Council and the major City law firm Hogan Lovells as well as input from Natasha Hirst and Graham Findlay (independent researchers). The core research team are disabled people with experience of academia or working in DPOs.

The research will explore 1) the barriers encountered by disabled people in gaining professional employment and career advancement in law, and 2) the ways in which such barriers can be circumvented and / or addressed.

Not enough is known about the experiences of disabled people employed in higher status professional occupations.  ‘Legally Disabled?’ will show aspiring disabled people what is possible, exposing existing barriers within the legal profession, and highlighting strategies for future inclusion.  This research will increase the visibility of disabled people in law and increase their influence on policy, promoting independent living for all.