We are pleased to announce the launch of Part One of a new Hey Legal Exclusive video highlighting the journey of two trainee lawyers who are working to break down barriers and to change the conversation around disabilities in the legal profession
Thomas McGovern and Fraser Mackay, both navigating their legal careers while managing their disabilities, provide valuable insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes and the path to the creation of their group Disabling Barriers Scotland. They are interviewed by accessibility champion, solicitor Elizabeth Rose of L&M MediLaw.
Thomas, a trainee criminal defence lawyer, recounts his struggles with dyslexia during his educational journey and early professional years.
Fraser, working in a separate area of law, navigates his professional life with dyspraxia. He candidly shares his own apprehensions about disclosing his disability and the questions it raised about his potential to have a successful career in law.
Moved by their personal experiences and the lack of peer support systems, Thomas and Fraser established their pioneering support group for lawyers with disabilities in Scotland, inspired by similar successful models in England. Their initiative aims to transform fear of disability disclosure into an open and supportive conversation within the Scottish legal profession.
The full video can be viewed here:
Since its inception in December, the group has been growing rapidly, boasting over a hundred members and a further 190 followers on LinkedIn. Their journey illuminates the significance of inclusivity within the legal profession and encourages those without declared disabilities to join in, learn, and support the cause. It’s an eye-opening account that underlines the need for diversity, inclusivity, and understanding within our profession.
If you’re interested in joining their cause or staying updated with their initiatives, we invite you to subscribe to “Disabling Barriers Scotland” on LinkedIn. And please subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be notofied of the release of Part Two. As we continue to embrace a more inclusive legal profession, let’s support and celebrate those leading the way.