Specialist law firm picks up two awards

Blackburn-based Joseph Frasier Solicitors LLP, one of the UK’s leading law firms offering specialist services to deaf and hard of hearing people, has been awarded two prestigious awards in recognition of its professional standards and its commitment to supporting staff with disabilities.

[caption id="attachment_22488" align="f-align-medium-right f-align-center" width="300"] Jack Straw MP[/caption]

MP Jack Straw and former deaf UN diplomat Jane Cordell presented the firm with The Law Society Lexcel Award, which is only granted to solicitors who achieve the higher standards of practice, case, risk management and client care; and the Department of Work and Pensions Positive About Disability award, a nationally recognised accreditation that underlines Joseph Frasier’s pledge to employ, keep and develop the abilitie sof disabled staff.

Saimina Virmani, CEO and solicitor at Joseph Frasier Solicitors, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received these two awards.

“We’ve put a tremendous amount of effort and investment into changing the way we work to make our services more accessible to our clients, including state of the art computer technology, British Sign Language courses and deaf awareness training for our staff. Over 15% of our staff are carers and they are able to work flexible hours, and we also have an onsite crèche.

“As a business we have also made a commitment to employ people with disabilities and ensure they have successful and rewarding career with us.” 

In 2010, Joseph Frasier Solicitors became the first private practice law firm exclusively for the nine million deaf and hard of hearing in the UK. This niche service evolved as it became clear that this group of people struggled to access legal services due to issues such as lack of deaf awareness, sign language within the industry, as well as liability for the cost of interpreters and legal aid cutbacks. 

Jack Straw said: “I am very pleased that JFS is leading the way in the work which they do for deaf and hard of hearing clients and delighted to see the firm has experienced the growth which it has at a time when things are difficult."

The award ceremony was also attended by the Turkish Ambassador, His Excellency Unal Cevikoz who was accompanying Mr Straw on his duties within his constituency.