GPSolo July/August 2023: Disabilities in Law and in Law Practice

Bias & Discrimination

Practicing Law as an Attorney with a Disability: The Hill Was Not Too Steep to Climb

Joy Moonan

The author relates her journey during law school and as a practicing lawyer with a disability. Fighting for accommodations and utilizing assistive technology have helped her surmount the “hills” she’s encountered. (27 minutes to read ∙ 6200 words)

Bias & Discrimination

Individuals with Mental Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System

Elizabeth Kelley

This article examines the role mental health issues play during each phase of the criminal justice system and discusses how to advocate what best serves clients with mental disabilities. (9 minutes to read ∙ 2100 words)

Disability

Workplace Discrimination Claims for Disabled Individuals under the ADA

Joan M. Swartz

Plaintiffs bringing a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be ready for a long process but also must be prepared to move quickly from stage to stage to meet a series of surprisingly short deadlines. (9 minutes to read ∙ 2100 words)

Disability

Roll a Mile on His Wheels: How to Include Persons with Disabilities

Kathleen Balthrop Havener

Including persons with disabilities in our everyday lives and activities requires that we first think about what it’s like to live the life of a disabled person. The author shares tips on etiquette and consideration. (11 minutes to read ∙ 2600 words)

Attorneys with Disabilities

Understanding Disability Insurance Protection for Lawyers

Todd C. Scott

Those who’ve made a long-term disability insurance claim know all too well that your life while receiving disability benefits is an open book. (11 minutes to read ∙ 2500 words)

Disability

Advocating for Disabled Minors: A Brief Discussion on Special Education Law

Matthew Storey

Special education law has come a long way since its inception. Not only are parents more educated about the process and how to advocate for their children, but more attorneys have joined the field to help them. (9 minutes to read ∙ 2000 words)

Bias & Discrimination

Accessibility in Our Courts for Disabled Individuals: Everyone Has the Power to Increase Accessibility in the Courthouse

Kendra J. Muller

Attorneys, legal professionals, and judges can help improve the court for everyone by advocating that all areas of the court system are better anchored in equal access. (11 minutes to read ∙ 2600 words)

Client Protection

Representing Clients with Diminished Capacity: Challenges and Opportunities

Robert Dinerstein

Lawyers need to be aware of the techniques, approaches, and modalities that can make representing clients with diminished capacity not only possible but also enriching and satisfying. (10 minutes to read ∙ 2200 words)

Practice Technology

Tech Tools to Aid Lawyers with Disabilities

Jeffrey Allen and Ashley Hallene

Assistive technology for hearing, vision, mobility, and courtroom proceedings has empowered lawyers with disabilities to practice law with independence and effectiveness. (10 minutes to read ∙ 2200 words)

Lawyer Wellness

Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Toll on Lawyer Respondents

Megan Zavieh

While financial and time commitments can be significant in an attorney disciplinary case, lawyers also must understand the emotional toll as they move through the process. (9 minutes to read ∙ 2000 words)

Personal Taxation

S Corporation Status for Solo Law Firms

Alexandra Eaker Pérez

S corporations are a favorite of solo attorneys because of the tax savings and easy implementation regardless of the type of business entity employed by the practicing attorney. (10 minutes to read ∙ 2200 words)

Private Defense

The Potential Forfeiture of Attorney Fees: A Minefield for Defense Attorneys

Justin P. Murphy and Han Cui

This article discusses the current legal landscape on attorney fees forfeiture, how clients and attorneys can challenge fee forfeiture, and due diligence attorneys should consider implementing. (5 minutes to read ∙ 1200 words)

Regulatory Practice

Fake Loot, Real Money: The Uncertain Legal Future of Loot Boxes in Video Games

John Bennett

Criticisms surrounding video game loot boxes include concerns about online gambling and predatory marketing practices aimed at minors. (5 minutes to read ∙ 1200 words)

Client Protection

Sharing Files with Clients: Bridging Security and File Management

Roberta Tepper and Laura L. Keeler

When considering a file-sharing system, lawyers should look at security, encryption, ease of use, and the sophistication of their clients. (4 minutes to read ∙ 1000 words)

HIPAA

An Attorney’s Guide to Understanding Medical Records in the Digital Age

Samuel D. Hodge Jr.

This article examines the latest developments surrounding the legally mandated transition of medical records from paper to an electronic format. (5 minutes to read ∙ 1100 words)

Natural Resources

California Tackles Plastic Pollution at the Source

Tara Brock

California’s new act to dramatically overhaul how single-use packing and single-use plastic foodware will be offered for sale and distributed provides lessons for the rest of the nation. (4 minutes to read ∙ 900 words)

Lawyer Wellness

Grief and the Transformation after It

Julie T. Houth

The purpose of healthy grieving is not to “get over” the death of a loved one but to integrate the experience into one’s present life. (8 minutes to read ∙ 1700 words)

Disability

Announcing the Scott LaBarre Disability Law Committee

Henry Hamilton III

The Scott LaBarre Disability Law Committee will provide resources, educate the public, and encourage law and policy changes to advance the interests of individuals with disabilities. (5 minutes to read ∙ 1100 words)

Mental Health

Ready Resources in Disabilities and the Law

Check out these ABA books and web resources in disability law and practicing law as an individual with disabilities. (3 minutes to read ∙ 600 words)

Practice Technology

Maximizing Efficiency: Using ChatGPT While Working on the Road

Jeffrey Allen

ChatGPT can provide valuable assistance to attorneys practicing on the road, enhancing their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. But lawyers must carefully consider the ethical implications of its use. (8 minutes to read ∙ 1800 words)

Professional Development

Being the Mastermind: Stay True to Your Vision When Opening Your Solo Law Practice

By Michael G. Olinik

Sticking to your vision while opening your law firm will help you get through the tough times, but you also must be flexible to keep your firm afloat. (6 minutes to read ∙ 1300 words)

Ethics

The Oil Is You: How Digital Corporations Are Extracting Your Attention for Their Profit

Jordan L. Couch

Our attention is being mined for profit by social media companies. The key is to know how it is being taken from us and to use government regulation to protect the public. (7 minutes to read ∙ 1500 words)

Professional Development

Do You Speak My Language? Connecting with Clients

Joshua Daley Paulin

Taking the time to get to know your clients will yield commonality that lets you build a rapport and “speak their language.” (2 minutes to read ∙ 400 words)