Christine Howard

My name is Christine Howard, and I am a Chartered Legal Executive, employed by Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP (“Weil”). I have been at Weil for 23 years.

When I joined Weil, I was not disabled although I had some breathing conditions (asthma and COPD).  However, over the years I was eventually diagnosed with bronchiectasis, spinal stenosis and arthritis of the spine. In addition, I was diagnosed with Type 2 insulin dependent diabetes.

When I joined Weil, I did not have to have any discussions about my health, other than the usual requirements of any employer.

In 2016 I began to suffer from a chronic cough and was absent on a number of occasions. Eventually, I was referred to a consultant and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis.  However, in late 2018 I was admitted to hospital with pneumonia and ketoacidosis. In early 2019 I was again admitted to hospital with a further bout of pneumonia.

I had some time away from the office following the second bout of pneumonia during which I was seen on a weekly basis by a respiratory nurse.

When I returned to work, as a consequence of my health issues, I was referred by Weil to Occupational Health. It was agreed by Occupational Health that travelling to/from work would have an adverse effect on my health and I began to mostly work from home, with one day in the office, travelling into/home out of rush hour to assist me in avoiding germs as much as possible.  Weil put all procedures in place, including equipment etc to enable me to do this. In some ways, when Covid hit, I was best placed to work from home as I had been doing this for some time.  The only downside for me was that I was shielded and not allowed to leave the house.

Weil have been beyond supportive. Weil cover the cost of a taxi to/from my London station to assist in the prevention of infection. I have also been relieved from carrying my laptop to/from the office. The HR team make every effort to accommodate my various health issues.

Indeed, the support I receive both professionally and personally from my relationships with my colleagues and partners cannot be faulted. Everyone appreciates that at some points I am unable to work to my full potential due to infection and/or fatigue.

I believe that becoming increasingly less fit and well has made me focus on work to a greater degree. I know that at times I am not well. When I am well, I work as hard as possible to compensate. As I am not often physically in the office, I make every effort to engage with other employees, partners and generally to assist the team in the smooth running of the department.

Disability of any description should be no bar to attaining a fulfilling and successful career in the chosen field. I have been very lucky, but it should not be luck that enables a person with a disability to progress and achieve their goals.