Panel Discussion at NALSAR: Lawyers with Disabilities Share Challenges in Legal Profession

At a panel discussion on Disability and Law organized by the Shamnad Basheer Panel at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, lawyers with disabilities opened up about their experiences and obstacles encountered in the legal field.

Yugal Jain, Senior Associate at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, shared his relatively smooth journey, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in law firms. He highlighted instances of hardworking individuals with disabilities thriving in legal environments, urging for more awareness and accommodation.

Yash Dodani, Team Leader of Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access (IDIA), recounted disappointing encounters during campus recruitments and internships. Dodani highlighted instances of insensitivity and discrimination, stressing the need for a shift in mindset towards celebrating diversity in the legal profession.

Anoop Kumar, a Senior Executive at HCL Technologies, emphasized the challenges faced in employment due to ableist prejudices and the need for reasonable accommodations. Kumar's experience shed light on the importance of constant support and understanding in the workplace.

Moderating the discussion, Professor Amita Dhanda underscored the necessity of challenging uniformity and advocating for diverse perspectives. She emphasized the prevalence of ableist prejudices and the need to dismantle them through constant vigilance and advocacy.

The panel discussion paid tribute to the late Prof Shamnad Basheer, who encouraged individuals to speak out and advocate for themselves. The event concluded with a call to action, announcing a survey aimed at gathering insights from lawyers with disabilities and recruiters in the legal field to address the challenges faced in employment and promote inclusivity.