#InPictures: William Fry event breaks down barriers at the Irish bar
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Pictured (left–right): Garrett Breen, Sofiya Kalinova BL, Jane Barrett and Padraic Kinsella.
William Fry marked the International Day of People with Disabilities with a special event which heard from Sofiya Kalinova BL, the first deaf person to qualify as a barrister in Ireland.
The “Breaking Down Barriers at the Irish Bar” event took place at the law firm’s Dublin office on 21 November, ahead of the International Day of People with Disabilities today.
The event was organised by William Fry’s Enable committee, led by chairperson Jane Barrett and senior sponsor Padraic Kinsella.
The theme of this year’s International Day of People with Disabilities is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
Ms Kalinova, a graduate of University College Dublin and the King’s Inns, spoke about her journey to becoming the first deaf person to qualify as a barrister as well as the first to practise law in Irish Sign Language (ISL).
A spokesperson for William Fry said: “Creating space to discuss the barriers within the legal system for people with disabilities is crucial to fostering a more inclusive workplace for all.
“Inclusion is at the heart of our principles at William Fry, and we are deeply grateful to Sofiya for sharing her story and insights, as well as to the ISL interpreter for their invaluable contribution.”
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