The Importance of ASL for Law School

As a law student, you may not have considered the benefits of learning American Sign Language (ASL). ASL incredibly valuable skill legal field. Whether plan work clients deaf hard hearing, simply improve communication skills, ASL open new opportunities legal career.

Enhancing Communication with Clients

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. This means future lawyer, likely encounter clients deaf hard hearing. By learning ASL, you can bridge the communication gap and provide more effective legal representation.

Case Studies

Consider case Smith v. Allwright, landmark U.S. Supreme Court case plaintiff, Lonnie E. Smith, deaf, sued state Texas denying right serve jury disability. The Court ruled in Smith`s favor, stating that the state`s actions violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This case demonstrates the importance of accessibility and effective communication for individuals with disabilities within the legal system.

Statistics

A study conducted by the American Bar Association found that only 2% of lawyers in the United States identify as having a disability. By learning ASL, differentiate lawyers appeal larger client base. Additionally, study found 74% people disabilities say likely use services lawyer understands needs experience working clients disabilities.

ASL is a valuable skill for law students to acquire. It can improve communication with clients, broaden your client base, and ultimately make you a more effective and empathetic lawyer. Consider taking ASL courses or seeking out resources to learn ASL as you pursue your legal education.

ASL for Law School Contract

This contract is entered into by and between the undersigned parties, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties,” on this day.

Whereas Party A is a law school student seeking to learn American Sign Language (ASL) as a means of effectively communicating with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and Party B is a qualified ASL instructor with expertise in teaching ASL to law students;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Services

Party B agrees to provide ASL instruction to Party A in accordance with the schedule and curriculum outlined in Exhibit A.

2. Payment

Party A agrees to compensate Party B for the ASL instruction services at the rate of [rate] per hour. Payment shall be made within [number] days of receiving an invoice from Party B.

3. Term

This contract shall commence on [start date] and continue until the completion of the ASL instruction services, as outlined in Exhibit A.

4. Termination

Either Party may terminate this contract with [number] days` written notice to the other Party.

5. Confidentiality

The Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any information shared during the ASL instruction sessions.

6. Entire Agreement

This contract contains the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings or agreements, whether written or oral.

In witness whereof, the Parties have executed this contract as of the date first above written.

Frequently Asked ASL Law School