State Bars Accused Of Discriminating Against Potential Lawyers

Louisiana bar officials  may be violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by asking potential lawyers about their mental health, the Justice Department said in a letter to the Louisiana Supreme Court Feb. 5. The letter notes that Louisiana bar  applicants he  must answer questions about mental health diagnoses and treatment, and the answers may trigger supplemental investigations.  It also maintains that the current policy financially burdens those with disabilities, fails to provide adequate privacy protection during the admission process and makes discriminatory admission recommendations “based on stereotypes of persons with disabilities.” A similar letter was sent last month to Vermont officials by the Vermont Human Rights Commission.