Like every law graduate, Sean Pevsner (pictured) was elated to learn last week that he passed the Texas bar exam. But the new lawyer and University of Texas School of Law graduate already has shown his tenacity when accomplishing difficult tasks: Pevsner is a quadriplegic who uses a wheelchair maneuvered by head movements. He says through an interpreter that he has “severe” cerebral palsy; he uses interpreters or a specialized computer to communicate.
In 1998, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin from the University of Texas at Austin. At the UT law school, assistants helped him prepare for classes and interpreted his questions, he writes in an email. He had additional time to complete exams, and his friend and interpreter traveled to Austin from Chicago to take dictation for his exams, Pevsner writes.
Pevsner writes that he took the bar exam before but he didn’t have “the accommodations and resources in place to prepare for and take the bar exam effectively.” In July, however, he successfully took the exam over eight days while using three interpreters.
Pevsner will be sworn in Nov. 14. He writes that he plans to open a solo practice in Austin to represent disabled people with educational- and employment-related matters.
“People did not believe I could even make it through the bar exam, much less pass it,” Pevsner says. “I hope that my passing the bar sends the message to others that they can do anything they set their minds to.”
-- Angela Morris
You forgot the "C", Marlin. Hehe :P Well, I know someone who hired Mr. Pevsner to handle a conflict he was having with his school district, I'm glad it turned out great - that's what to expect from a University of Texas Law graduate. His story only proves that once you set your mind on something, success is almost inevitable. :)
Posted by: Mike Clark | November 05, 2012 at 01:32 PM
That's very remarkable. So how are things in Austin for Mr. Pevsner? I admire your last sentence here. You know what they say: what does not kill you makes you stronger
Posted by: Tracy Pierre | November 28, 2011 at 07:18 AM
That's very remarkable. So how are things in Austin for Mr. Pevsner? I admire your last sentence here. You know what they say: what does not kill you makes you stronger
Posted by: Tracy Pierre | November 28, 2011 at 07:04 AM
That's what I call a hero lawyer! It's hard to find lawyers like you, Mr. Pevsner. I hope this will serve as an inspiration to all the lawyers, both present and future.
Posted by: Logan Porter | November 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I have had the privilege of knowing Sean both personally and professionally for a number of years. He has already made a dramatic difference in the lives of numerous people with disabilities...and those without, all while holding his head high and fighting his own battle. Texas has gained an exceptional lawyer with exceptional empathy, talent and intellect. I have no doubt he will continue be outstanding in all that he does. Congratulations Sean, on both a job well done and a job well deserved!
Posted by: Zoey Heath | November 10, 2011 at 11:24 PM
ongratulations Mr. Pevsner! May God bless you and your career as a lawyer! And your desire to serve and represent the disabled is very noble. I admire you for that.
Posted by: Marlin Sayle | November 08, 2011 at 03:24 PM