THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 50 | SEPTEMBER 2025 Accessibility Is Your Law Firm Compliant With Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act? By Angie Barker AS ATTORNEYS, WE SPEND countless hours ensuring our clients comply with laws and regulations. But many law firms overlook their obligations as service providers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).1 This oversight represents not only a potential legal liability but also a missed opportunity to overtly demonstrate our profession’s commitment to equal access to justice. Title III of the ADA,2 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation, applies directly to law firm offices. It creates specific obligations every law firm must understand and properly implement.3 Our profession has a unique responsibility to model compliance with civil rights legislation. But when law firms fail to provide accessible facilities, they create barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from obtaining legal representation, consulting with attorneys or participating in office-based legal proceedings. This article examines the specific Title III requirements that apply to law firm offices – focusing on practical compliance strategies for parking lots, building entrances, reception areas, restrooms and conference rooms. UNDERSTANDING TITLE III’S APPLICATION TO LAW FIRMS Unlike Title I, which addresses employment discrimination, or Title II, which applies to federal, state and local government services, Title III specifically governs public accommodations operated by private entities. The scope of Title III extends beyond mere physical accessibility. In general, the statute requires that “goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.”4 Title III of the ADA defines places of public accommodation broadly to include “office of an accountant or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a health care provider, hospital, or other service establishment.”5 Given that a lawyer’s office is specifically mentioned, the question as to whether a law firm’s office falls under Title III of the ADA is a settled matter. Unfortunately, not every attorney or law firm understands or adheres to the statute. In 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ) brought an action against attorney Patric LeHouillier and his law firm, LeHouillier & Associates PC, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The DOJ claimed Mr. LeHouillier violated the civil rights of the opposing counsel’s client (who fit the definition of disabled under the ADA) by denying her entry to his law office for a deposition being conducted in his firm’s conference room. The matter culminated in a consent decree replete with obligations, remedial actions, monetary relief and civil penalties against Mr. LeHouillier Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. A Practical Guide for Legal Professionals
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==