Graduates with Disabilities supported by Reed Smith

On 2nd April, in partnership with EmployAbility, international law firm Reed Smith hosted an event for over 40 students and graduates with disabilities, interested in pursuing a career in law. EmployAbility is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting students and graduates with all disabilities, including dyslexia or long term health conditions, into employment.

The afternoon commenced with a number of introductory speeches on diversity, including one from Sakil Suleman, corporate partner and UK diversity committee head at Reed Smith. The event also involved some tips on our graduate recruitment application process and a session on when and how to disclose a disability, which was led by EmployAbility. Students were also given the chance to take part in two panel discussions focused on life as a lawyer in the City and disability in the workplace. Michael Speranza, finance counsel and Disability Task Force member, and Sarah Ramwell, CSR manager EMEA, sat on the second panel.

Reed Smith, as a leading law firm, is commited to diversity and inclusion, supporting employees through their disabilities; but ultimately focusing on their unique abilities to thrive at their role within the organisation.

Following the event, a number of attendees have commented on the usefulness of the day. One of the attendees said:

“A fantastic event that gave me an invaluable insight into the recruitment process for jobs in the legal sector and tips on how to deal with issues relating to disabilities both in this process and the workplace generally. The event personally re-assured me that jobs for disabled students are both available and achievable at the top of the legal profession. Thank you to EmployAbility for giving me the confidence to pursue my dream career at a leading City law firm, such as Reed Smith.”

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