In late January 2007, the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section of the ABA helped establish the NALSWD in order to identify areas of concern for disabled law students and establish a platform for the national organization. An initial planning session involving over ten law schools has grown into a national network with members at over twenty law schools. To date, we have formed various committees and have ratified a written Constitution and bylaws for the organization. We seek to encourage dialogue about the admissions process, offer advice about overcoming obstacles during law school, and further various career options. We will also establish peer-mentoring programs by pairing law students and lawyers with disabilities.
Through our partnership with the ABA Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, we are raising awareness and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities within the legal profession. Our national student organization's impact on recruiting, training and mentoring law students with disabilities will directly benefit the legal community.
Our first fall conference took place in San Francisco in mid-September and we elected a national executive board. We are very excited about our organization's future.
For a more detailed look at the NALSWD please click here