In May, Disability Rights Washington joined The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Washington, The Arc of King County, Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and Disability Rights Oregon in filing an amicus brief in support of an attorney with autism who was twice denied entry by the state’s supreme court to the state bar without explanation.
The state bar association twice recommended the attorney be admitted to practice, but dissenting members of the board argued, based on flawed assumptions, that the impact of autism and a former limited guardianship rendered the attorney unfit to practice. The brief argued that the attorney possesses the character and fitness necessary to practice law and that the court should reconsider the attorney’s application consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the state’s anti-discrimination law.
Shortly after the motion for reconsideration and amicus brief were filed, the state’s supreme court granted the attorney’s request and admitted the attorney to the bar. For confidentiality reasons, identifying details cannot be shared.