The Future of Law: Why Neurodiversity is Key
Understanding Neurodiversity in Law and Embracing Different Perspectives
Neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information.
It is an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Between 15 and 20% of the UK population are estimated to be neurodivergent, covering individuals in every sector. When looking at neurodiversity within the legal industry specifically, it is estimated that out of more then 300,000 neurodivergent individuals surveyed in 2023, over 48,000 of those were neurodivergent.
Many of us grew up understanding neurodiversity only in a deficit framework. This meant that dyslexia was always described in terms of ‘challenges with reading and writing’ rather than in terms of ‘strengths in verbal articulation and creative thinking.’ In reality, neurodifferences are not one or the other, but are instead both. All individuals have strengths and challenges and these naturally vary from one person to another.
Neurodivergent individuals often display what is called a ‘spiky’ profile, which is a pattern of strengths and challenges that has more extreme peaks and troughs than what you may expect to see on a neurotypical profile. This means that while, neurodivergent individuals do often experience significant challenges in comparison to their peers, it also means that their strengths and skills can greatly exceed those of their neurotypical counterparts. Some of these strengths may include:
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Research, logical thinking and analytical skills
Adaptability
Problem-solving capabilities
Highlighting the Strengths and Skills of Neurodivergent Talent
Across industries and sectors and around the world, organisations are increasingly starting to see the value these strengths and skills can bring to their businesses, and the benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace. These benefits can include:
Increased productivity, revenues, and reputation
Increased innovation and creativity
Diverse skill sets and new perspectives
Better problem solving and decision making
Increased wellbeing, engagement and retention of neurodivergent employees
Success Stories: Law Firms Leading the Way on Neuro-inclusion
Many legal firms are embracing neurodiversity and championing neuro-inclusion, as they understand the value it can bring to their employees, clients and organisation. Championing neuro-inclusion in the legal industry is not just about one policy or process however, it is about setting up the right culture & environment to allow people to reach their full potential and thrive at work.
Some examples of legal organisations empowering neurodivergent talent include:
The Legal Neurodiversity Network
“Established in 2022, the Legal Neurodiversity Network strives to improve neurodivergent inclusion in the UK legal profession by identifying, sharing and encouraging good practice, and establishing connections between employers, individuals and partner organisations.” - Rachel Boyle, Co-Founder and Co-Chair
BCLP
“Making BCLP an inclusive firm is the responsibility of all of our people. We are one firm where diversity breeds innovation and better services as a trusted advisor to our clients.” - Steve Baumer, CEO
Loch Associates Group
“Loch Associates Group are a multi-faceted business providing legal services, HR Consultancy and Training and Wellbeing support. Because of this, we feel that we have a duty to practice what we preach. As a boutique firm, we don’t have the various ‘networks’ and ‘forums’ that larger companies might, so we tailor our support to individual staff members ensuring that they have the tools and support they need to deliver.
We supplement with regular awareness building ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and a regular programme of facilitated ‘time to talk’ workshops that give our employees an opportunity to share and discuss their experiences. We also regularly partner with organisations that have the expertise to support both us and our clients in this area- from recruitment through to team development.” - Ben Holt Managing Director of Loch HR & Loch Training and Wellbeing
Herbert Smith Freehills
“At Herbert Smith Freehills, strides are being made to embrace neurodiversity, particularly for autistic individuals. Under the firm’s Ability Network, a dedicated group are ensuring inclusivity for both new hires and existing staff. Recognising the moral and business imperatives, the firm has revamped its recruitment framework, implemented supportive workplace adjustments, and partnered with external experts for ongoing support. Their internship programs have proven particularly beneficial, breaking stereotypes and enriching both interns’ experiences and team perspectives.”
As a result of creating neuro-inclusive workplaces, these firms are setting themselves and their employees up for success in overcoming some of the challenges the legal industry is facing, including evolving consumer demands and the advancement of technology.
How Lexxic Can Support Your Organisation
It can be difficult to know where to start when supporting neuro-inclusion within your business, and according to a survey by Neurodiversikey, more than three quarters of neurodivergent lawyers have not disclosed their neurodifferences to avoid discrimination. Therefore, it is not enough to simply assume that your employees will tell you what they need. Lexxic can support you in embracing neurodiversity by creating tailored, strategic change programmes and delivering psychological support services to neurodivergent talent. This includes:
Supporting individuals with one-to-one assessments and coaching
Supporting managers and teams with neurodiversity awareness training, workshops, webinars and toolkits
Supporting organisations with detailed neurodiversity audits and our Neurodiversity Smart assessment and accreditation
We’ve also created a brand new guide on Empowering Neurodivergent Talent in the Legal Industry to help you learn about the impact neurodivergent talent can bring to your organisation, and discover how Lexxic can best support you on your journey to neuro-inclusion. Click the button below to find out more and download the free guide today!
You can also learn more about the value of neurodiversity in the legal industry with our free panel discussion on Tuesday, 9th July 2024 at 12pm (BST). Click here to sign-up now!
