Every law firm wears two hats under equality law. It delivers legal services to clients, and it manages a workforce of staff and partners. The Equality Act 2010 governs both relationships — sometimes with different rules for each — and getting it wrong exposes the firm to claims, liability, and reputational damage. Understanding where these duties bite, and how a firm can defend itself, is part of everyday practice for any solicitor.
This lesson builds your understanding step by step:
- Two Capacities and Forms of Prohibited Conduct — the service provider/employer split and the six forms discrimination can take.
- Direct and Indirect Discrimination — less favourable treatment, associative discrimination, and when (if ever) it can be justified.
- Disability Discrimination and Reasonable Adjustments — the disability-only claims and the positive duty to remove barriers.
- Burden of Proof and Victimisation — the two-stage shifting burden and protection for those who complain.
- Liability of Firms and Employees — vicarious liability, the reasonable steps defence, and personal liability of individuals.
- Positive Action, Partnerships and Declining Instructions — what a firm may lawfully do, and when it can turn work away.
- Forums, Limitation and Remedies — where claims are brought, the deadlines, and uncapped compensation.