http://blog.geeklawyer.org/2007/05/28/old-people-make-em-work/ A barrister gossips & rants on intellectual property law, the legal system and civil liberties. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:16:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 http://blog.geeklawyer.org/2007/05/28/old-people-make-em-work/#comment-11954 lawyer-2-be Mon, 28 May 2007 22:01:20 +0000 http://blog.geeklawyer.org/2007/05/28/old-people-make-em-work/#comment-11954 Unfortunately even the legal profession has a reputation for being notoriously 'discriminatory' when it comes to taking on 'older people' (whatever they are). I am a mature entrant to the profession (due to start pupillage in October) and have many friends who have also come to the law later in life. Most have had to work twice as hard to achieve their goal (some are still struggling). It is quite clear from their experiences that had they been 22 with the same qualifications as they have, they would undoubtedly have seen far fewer doors closed on them. If a profession which is made up of intelligent, independently minded people is unable to embrace the concept of non-discrimination on the grounds of age, there is little hope. I quite agree that 'older people' are frequently overlooked, quite unjustifiably; as you say, they are often more reliable and have the benefit of life experience. However, it is very difficult to establish a case of discrimination on grounds of age so, not surprisingly, many employers find it easier to stick within their comfort zone. Let's hope that attitudes gradually begin to change... L2B :-) Unfortunately even the legal profession has a reputation for being notoriously ‘discriminatory’ when it comes to taking on ‘older people’ (whatever they are). I am a mature entrant to the profession (due to start pupillage in October) and have many friends who have also come to the law later in life. Most have had to work twice as hard to achieve their goal (some are still struggling). It is quite clear from their experiences that had they been 22 with the same qualifications as they have, they would undoubtedly have seen far fewer doors closed on them. If a profession which is made up of intelligent, independently minded people is unable to embrace the concept of non-discrimination on the grounds of age, there is little hope. I quite agree that ‘older people’ are frequently overlooked, quite unjustifiably; as you say, they are often more reliable and have the benefit of life experience. However, it is very difficult to establish a case of discrimination on grounds of age so, not surprisingly, many employers find it easier to stick within their comfort zone. Let’s hope that attitudes gradually begin to change… L2B

]]>