SEPTEMBER 2025 | 51 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL and his law firm.6 The parties and the court agreed that both Mr. LeHouillier7 and his law office8 were places of public accommodation covered by Title III of the ADA. This example demonstrates that ensuring your clients, employees and anyone else invited into your law firm can access not only the physical premises but also the full range of legal services offered by your firm applies to both lawyers and law firms. COMPLIANCE: KEY OBLIGATIONS Law firms must comply with both the general provisions of Title III and the specific architectural standards of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 standards).9 These obligations include, but are not limited to: Removal of Architectural Barriers: Law firms must remove architectural barriers in existing facilities where such removal is “readily achievable,” meaning easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense.10 Determining whether barrier removal is readily achievable is made on a case-by-case basis by considering the specific nature and cost of the removal, the overall resources of the business and other relevant factors. This requirement is ongoing and must be reassessed as circumstances change. Additional factors required in new construction are not discussed in this article. Policy Modifications: Law firms must make reasonable modifications to policies, practices and procedures when necessary to provide equal access, unless the law firm can demonstrate that such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the services provided.11 Audiovisual and Remote Services: Law firms must provide appropriate services to ensure effective communication with employees and clients who have hearing, vision or speech disabilities.12 This includes accessible websites and documents in accessible formats. PARKING FACILITIES: THE FIRST POINT OF ACCESS Accessible parking represents the initial compliance challenge for many law firms, yet it is often the most visible indicator of a firm’s commitment to accessibility. In guidance provided for the 2010 standards, the term “facility” is used to include both parking lots and parking structures. The 2010 standards also establish specific quantity and technical requirements. 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.
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