Finding a suitable lawyer when you need them most is complex enough but even more complicated when you have a disability. So, how can you decide which one to use with accessibility in mind? How do you find a disability-friendly lawyer?
Solicitors work in the legal sector, so they should know exactly what to do to live up to the expectations of the Equality Act. While most solicitors, like those at Dhillon Law, provide excellent service and sound advice, some fall short.
7 Tips to Find a Disability-Friendly Lawyer
Perhaps you’re already working with a firm but aren’t happy with the current service provided or how they have communicated the advice. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere; changing your solicitor doesn’t have to be complicated.
So, whether you’re divorcing from your spouse, would like help writing a will, or your child has experienced a severe birth injury, here are 10 top tips for finding a disability-friendly solicitor.
1. Do Your Research
Before talking to anyone else about your decision to find a solicitor, ensure you do your research to form your own opinion. The Law Society’s website is a great starting point and allows you to search for multiple reputable solicitors in your area.
The Civil Legal Advice Line can help you find a lawyer if you qualify for legal aid, mainly if you or your child requires special education.
Making a list of the pros and cons for each solicitor is a good idea, so you don’t get confused when referring back to them later on. You’ll be in better stead to decide once you’ve had a clear read through each company’s website.
2. Ask for Recommendations
Once you’ve taken some time to research your options, ask friends and family if they’ve ever used a solicitor before and whether they have any recommendations. Unfortunately, most people require legal advice at some point, so receiving good and bad feedback is incredibly likely.
Although it’s beneficial to gather thoughts from your loved ones, remember that everyone’s needs are different, so what might not have worked for them might not work for you, and vice-versa. Also, bear in mind their reason for seeing a lawyer, as it may differ from yours.
3. Call the Equality Advisory & Support Service
The Equality Advisory & Support Service is a helpline that advises and assists individuals on equality and human rights issues.
Unlike a solicitor, the EASS cannot offer legal advice, but it is worth contacting them to find out how they can make legal resources more accessible for you. For instance, they can provide translation to Deaf members of society and, in certain circumstances, a trained lay advocate for individuals with learning difficulties.
4. Enquire About Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) varies, from walking sticks and apps reading text aloud to keyboards with large buttons. Whether it be a device, software, or equipment, all forms of assistive technology help people with disabilities learn, communicate, or function better.
If your solicitor claims to be disability-friendly, they should have these resources readily available and be willing to provide different formats of legal documentation. Alternatively, contact a charity or helpline that may be able to assist.
5. Look at What Field they Specialise In
Although it’s vital to ensure that the solicitor you’re choosing is accessible, don’t overlook how specialized they are in the area of work you’re seeking support.
For instance, if you’re having problems regarding custody, make sure you seek a family law solicitor and don’t settle for a less experienced one. It may not seem very easy to find a balance between the two. But, as discussed above, there are organizations out there that can help break down the barriers between solicitors and disabled individuals.
The most important thing to ensure is that the solicitors are open to trying new methods of communication to relay legal advice in the clearest manner possible.
6. Question if the Firm Has Undergone Training
Has the firm you’ve decided to team up with undertaken any recent disability awareness training? Have they won any Law Awards for diversity and inclusion? The companies that care about catering to specific disability needs will go out of their way to achieve these certifications.
You’ll often be able to tell if a firm has been trained in inaccessibility. Keep an eye on the terminology they use, how they interact around you, and the types of questions they’re asking.
An excellent disability-friendly solicitor will be experienced in their field of work, but they’ll also be passionate about changing attitudes surrounding disabilities.
7. Ask if They’ll Meet Up Outside of the Office
Whether you’re physically or mentally disabled, travel can be challenging. Because of this, pressure to attend a meeting in a solicitor’s office might be daunting.
Virtual meetings are commonplace nowadays and are likely the easiest solution, particularly if you’re deaf and would like an interpreter to attend. Similarly, a simple phone call could suffice if you’re blind or visually impaired.
If you are keen to meet in person, suggest having the meeting in a location you feel most comfortable, like your home or a café at the end of your road. Any firm claiming to be disability-friendly should be more than willing to accommodate.
Finding a Disability Friendly Lawyer
If you’re not feeling like getting the best out of your lawyer, you can always change your mind, even mid-claim.
Customer satisfaction is everything these days, and there’s a lot to be said for law firms that don’t live up to your expectations. Sometimes, you need a gentle reminder that you’re the client and what you say goes.
Hopefully, these top tips will help you on your way to finding an experienced, disability-friendly lawyer.