Disability, reasonable adjustments and the Scottish legal profession

TY - JOUR

T1 - Disability, reasonable adjustments and the Scottish legal profession

AU - Wallace, Rachael

PY - 2025/10/8

Y1 - 2025/10/8

N2 - The Scottish legal profession has a low representation of disabled solicitors. This study, based on interviews with disabled solicitors, reveals that many with non-visible disabilities avoid disclosing their conditions due to fear of discrimination. Obtaining reasonable adjustments, particularly those affecting work hours and performance targets, can be challenging. Instances of bullying, where colleagues view adjustments as privileges, lead to isolation and a lack of belonging. The profession must enhance accessibility and dismantle barriers. Tailored reasonable adjustments are essential, with solicitors central to the process to ensure appropriateness. Fostering a sense of belonging and community is crucial. The study highlights a negative culture towards disabled employees, stressing the need for an inclusive environment. Education and professional development on disability equality, provided by the Law Society of Scotland and employers, should be co-created by solicitors with lived experience. Proactive measures to support disabled solicitors will enhance diversity and inclusivity in the profession.

AB - The Scottish legal profession has a low representation of disabled solicitors. This study, based on interviews with disabled solicitors, reveals that many with non-visible disabilities avoid disclosing their conditions due to fear of discrimination. Obtaining reasonable adjustments, particularly those affecting work hours and performance targets, can be challenging. Instances of bullying, where colleagues view adjustments as privileges, lead to isolation and a lack of belonging. The profession must enhance accessibility and dismantle barriers. Tailored reasonable adjustments are essential, with solicitors central to the process to ensure appropriateness. Fostering a sense of belonging and community is crucial. The study highlights a negative culture towards disabled employees, stressing the need for an inclusive environment. Education and professional development on disability equality, provided by the Law Society of Scotland and employers, should be co-created by solicitors with lived experience. Proactive measures to support disabled solicitors will enhance diversity and inclusivity in the profession.

KW - Disability

KW - reasonable adjustments

KW - Scottish legal profession

KW - disability equality

U2 - 10.1177/27526461251387270

DO - 10.1177/27526461251387270

M3 - Article

SN - 2752-6461

JO - Equity in Education & Society

JF - Equity in Education & Society

ER -