Law & (dis)Orders: Navigating the intersection of Disability and Dignity in the Courtroom

Dignity is a significant concept in law, ethics, and morality, and should be preserved for every client, despite their ability to pay for legal representation. However, for clients with disabilities, maintaining dignity throughout the proceedings is often as important as the outcome.

For same-day and limited-scope representation, client-centered counseling can be challenging. However, clients and/or attorneys with disabilities, like any other litigant, expect to participate actively in the attorney-client relationship.

It’s important for attorneys and judges to acknowledge any special needs of the client and do their best to make reasonable accommodations that directly impact the clients dignity, such as resisting paternalism or avoiding making assumptions based on stereotypes.

The legal process can be intimidating to every client, but for those with disabilities (who often have more at stake), the preservation of dignity can be easily overlooked - or downright ignored- in the name of advocacy.

This panel seeks to promote awareness while offering useful information and insight on ensuring dignity for pro bono clients and others in the courtroom.

Panelists:

1. Katelyn Keegan, Law Office of Katelyn Keegan
2. Garrett Mooney, Baltimore City’s States Attorney Office
3. Viola Woolums, Mayor's Commission on Disabilities

Moderator: Perneita Farrar, P. Farrar Legal Services LLC