New LSSSE Report Finds One in Five Law Students Lives with a Disability
Law students with disabilities show strong engagement and resilience but face persistent gaps in institutional support
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.—The Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) has released its 2025 Annual Report, Disability in Law School, offering the first comprehensive look at disability among law students. The findings reveal that while law students with disabilities are among the most academically engaged in legal education, they receive less institutional support and report lower levels of belonging and satisfaction.
“Law students with disabilities do so much on their own—preparing for class, contributing to discussions, joining and leading student organizations and other activities at the highest levels,” said Meera E. Deo, Director of LSSSE. “But they are missing necessary institutional support. Law schools should meet them at least halfway, providing them with the structural tools they need to thrive.”
The Report shows students with disabilities comprise 20% of LSSSE respondents. According to data from the 2025 survey, disabled students invest considerable time and effort in their legal education but have meaningful disparities when compared to their non-disabled classmates. The Annual Report calls on law schools to strengthen accessibility and support systems that promote the success of all students.
