There are mixed signals over whether the profession's attitude towards disabled people is improving, the Regulation Board was told last week.


A survey of 99 members of the Group for Solicitors with Disabilities found that slightly more than 20% either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement that 'the profession has a positive and constructive approach to disabled people' - up from 14% three years ago. The proportion who strongly disagreed also fell sharply, from 23% to 13%.



However, there was a slight increase on 2003 in those agreeing with the statement that 'disabled people have to be a lot better than the competition to be successful in a job interview' (up 3% to 83%).



Some 21% of respondents said the Law Society deals with discrimination effectively, as against 9% in 2003.



The survey was carried out as part of the work on the Society's disability equality scheme, which it is required to publish this month under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 because of its public functions.



Current figures indicate that 453 practising solicitors have declared a disability, although this is thought to be an underestimate. The board was shown an action plan to promote disability equality both in the profession and at the Law Society.



Two specific issues were highlighted for future consideration: whether there should be a reduced practising certificate fee for disabled solicitors who may have lower comparable incomes because of reasons of disability; and the possibility of disability employment targets