The American legal system works to ensure that the rights of every citizen are respected and that those accused have their chance to defend themselves in court. Lawyers work to uphold statues outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights while helping to ensure equality for all. In cases of discrimination where a group or an individual is made to feel marginalized, lawyers represent their voices in court and a jury decides whether the discriminatory act was intentional. A recent case landed an Illinois developer, Riverwalk Condominiums, in court because it was alleged that they acted out of accordance with the Fair Housing Act. Specifically, the company did not ensure that its buildings were designed with the needs of disabled residents in mind. The lawsuit states that there are many design problems with the housing development, in that bathrooms are not wheelchair-accessible and kitchen countertops are only made for the able-bodied. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession should look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for a wide range of information. For example, in 2006 lawyers held approximately 761,000 jobs, and around 27 % of those practicing law were self-employed.  |