Many lawyers and legal staff will be relishing the prospect of returning to their offices following revisions to the Government’s guidance on working from home. While re-connecting with colleagues and feeling a sense of “normality” will be a happy prospect for some, disabled legal staff may face a very different reality – one that involves difficulties in finding accessible methods of public transport for the daily commutes, as well as navigating unaccommodating and antiquated offices.
Much of the London legal community is housed within Georgian buildings with grand staircases, narrow corridors and paved entranceways. Whilst these buildings may be visually impressive both inside and out, to say that they are accessible by modern standards would be a significant stretch. Being able to offer clients and visitors accessible facilities is a vital aspect of a lawyer’s responsibilities: not least to ensure that everyone who feels anxious around having to use the legal system, feels understood and in safe hands.
