The National Disabled Legal Professionals Association engages in systemic, policy, and legal advocacy. While we do not provide direct legal services, we do provide referrals to individuals seeking legal assistance.
Reforming the Legal Profession
In April 2023, we submitted a comment to the American Bar Association opposing a proposed change to Model Rule 1.1 that would have stigmatized and unnecessarily threatened the
licenses of disabled lawyers.
In March 2023, we submitted a comment to the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar supporting revisions increasing distance education limits, which allow for disabled students and faculty to more easily access the accommodations they need.
Amicus Briefs
In November 2024, we submitted an amicus brief to the Colorado Supreme Court along with the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Sam Cary Bar Association, and Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association opposing restrictive clauses that disproportionately affect marginalized attorneys.
In August 2024 and September 2022, we joined amicus briefs before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in support of T.W., a disabled test taker who was denied critical accommodations for the bar exam, in T.W. v. New York State Board of Law Examiners.
Sign-On Letters and Endorsements
In March 2025, we signed on to a critical letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging her to oppose attacks on the legal profession, on judges, and on the rule of law and to ensure that the Department of Justice uses its full power to protect the legal profession and equal justice under law for all people.
In July 2024, we signed on to a letter led by Disability Rights California and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) opposing mask bans, which harm disabled legal professionals and our clients.
In December 2022, we signed on to a letter opposing New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ proposal that would increase involuntary hospitalizations of disabled New Yorkers. We know that lawyers and legal professionals face involuntary hospitalization at alarming rates, and we support our members and their right to remain free from coercion and maintain bodily autonomy.
In September 2024, we signed on to a letter opposing H.R. 9495, a dangerous bill that could put nonprofit organizations like ours in danger of losing our tax-exempt status.
In September 2024, we endorsed a Congressional resolution recognizing the first ever Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day. We know that disabled women, including disabled women legal professionals, experience significant pay disparities. We continue to advocate for policies that advance equal employment opportunities and fair pay for our members.