© Daniel Holt
“Sometimes it just requires thinking outside the box, but there really is no ultimate limit to what I can do.”
“I’m Daniel Holt, a barrister at Farrar’s Building and the Chair of The Association of Disabled Lawyers. My path hasn’t been the easiest; I’m not your typical barrister - I have a speech impairment, use a wheelchair, and have a background in special needs education. The odds of becoming a barrister were against me. But I was determined to prove otherwise. I went on to study Law at Queen Mary University of London and City University, earning a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees with distinction.
My focus has been on creating change at the highest levels. Being named one of the 100 most influential disabled people by The Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 was an honour, as was being highly commended at the European Diversity Awards in 2018. I also had the privilege of receiving the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Award from The Honourable Society of Middle Temple.
As Chair of the Association of Disabled Lawyers, I work closely with individuals, organisations, and regulatory bodies to improve the experiences of lawyers and law students with health conditions. I’m proud that our Association was nominated for Outstanding Disability Network of the Year at the 2023 British Diversity Awards. In addition to leading the Association, I also chair the Disability Forum and am a member of Middle Temple’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Previously, I served as a Board Trustee for Disability Rights UK, where I co-authored our response to Parliament’s inquiry into unimplemented provisions of the Equality Act 2010. I also chaired Disability Rights UK's Income Generation Committee.
Connecting with grassroots efforts is deeply important to me, and I’m passionate about helping young disabled people find support and guidance. I’ve provided educational workshops and mentorship through various organisations and am on the Advisory Committee for Pictor Academy, the special school I once attended. Additionally, I serve as the Welfare and Safeguarding lead at Sale United Powerchair Football Club and as Treasurer of the Southeast Powerchair Football League.
© Daniel Holt
As a wheelchair user, logistics and practicality are things I might have to think about more than most, to ensure my routes and destinations are accessible. I might need to repeat myself at times during professional or high-intensity situations.
“There is nothing more disabling than society’s perception of, and attitudes towards disabled people. Society often attaches negative stereotypes to disabled individuals, viewing them as incapable, burdensome, or tragic. These perceptions can lead to discrimination, exclusion, and a lack of opportunities. Prejudices and biases, whether overt or unconscious, can affect how disabled individuals are treated in education, employment, and social settings. These attitudes can lead to social isolation and limit their potential.”
[Becoming a barrister] is not a particularly easy career to pursue for anybody, yet here I am, travelling across the country for court.
© Daniel Holt
There’s lots I love to do besides law – I play wheelchair football for Sale United and Crystal Palace. I enjoy music, so I find accessible venues. I want to work out, so I have to find a suitable workout plan. Sometimes it just requires thinking outside the box, but there really is no ultimate limit to what I can do. I also like going to the cinema and theatre and am always looking forward to going to gigs and concerts all across London, from Wembley to small pubs! Originally from Manchester and moving to London, I’m never short of something to do in this city. It’s become my home!
For my future, I hope to continue to be happy, surrounded by the best people, and contribute to society.”
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