we're here at reed smith, a global law firm, to find out how disability confident the legal profession is. so let's find out more. reed smith is one of the largestlaw firms in the world - we've got 1800 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the world. at reed smith, in order to try and get more disabled people into the firm, we're building partnerships with providers such as scope and mencap and lawyers with disability, who are part of the law society. we work closely with other law firms across the country in obtaining work experience for our members and other disabled lawyers.
and we're also reserving places on our vacation scheme for people with disability to give them the opportunity to come to the firm, see what it's like to work in a city law firm, and also apply for a training contract. my name is fadeia hussain, i am a vacation scheme student at reed smith. my name is shuhena and i'm here on a two week vacation scheme at reed smith. given the nature of my disability, self-improvement was a vital part in making a decision to study law and to become a lawyer. i decided i wanted to become a lawyer becausei thought it would be a career that would be quite challenging but rewarding at the same time.
the market is competitive for everyone, buti have to say it is harder for people with disability to secure a training contract.personally i think there is no difference between disabled and non-disabled people,we just need the opportunity to prove that we are able. i think we need a lot more people with disability working in the legal profession, we suffer a number of the challenges that other professions do, and i think we need to broaden access. i thought the firm was really proactive and took the initiative and all the way through from open day now through to training contract assessment that they've been really supportive with my adjustments and everything that i've needed.
i hope that this gives them the confidenceto believe in their ability that they can both work and be successful in reed smith- disability need not be a barrier. i'm proud and i know our employees are reallyproud to be part of such a diverse business which includes the disabled community. thatcan only be a good thing for our business. other firms can learn from the example ofreed smith by believing in disabled lawyers and disabled law students, giving them a chance, putting them on a level playing field. i would advise anyone who wants to pursuea career in the legal profession to go for it, i would say it is possible, it is do-able,i know it is not easy but we can do it. please don't be discouraged by anyone who may say to you no you can't do it, no you can,
it is possible and good luck with it! we're just back at st. james'. we've gaineda real insight into reed smith and the legal profession as a whole today, and althoughthey're only at the start of their journey, i found it really inspiring that everyonewe've spoken to is completely committed to making the legal profession disability confident.i'll see you next week.
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