The ND Lawyer

In this episode, we talk with Richard, a Clinical Negligence Partner at Irwin Mitchell, about his experience as a dyspraxic and dyslexic lawyer. Richard discusses why he decided to share his story, how his neurodivergence has helped him in his career, dealing with impostor syndrome, and how senior staff can be more inclusive.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/oIEQhbxIfYeSvncJV59gBT51me0

In this episode, we speak with Natasha Hirst, a co-researcher on The University of Cardiff and Law Society's 'Legally disabled?' research, which was one of the first explorations into the " experiences of disabled people and people with health conditions (including mental health) working in the legal profession". Natasha is a Neurodiversity advocate, Vice President of the National Journalist Society, Writer, Trade Union Representative, and Photographer who is deaf and has ADHD and Dyspraxia. Natasha's personal experience, the research and why it came about, its legacy, and what more needs to be done are all discussed in this episode.

Links and resources mentioned in today's episode;
Transcript: https://natashahirstblog.co.uk/post/682252269115392001/the-neurodiverse-lawyer-podcast
Legally Disabled website; http://legallydisabled.com
University of Cardiff and Law Society research; http://legallydisabled.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Legally-Disabled-full-report-FINAL.pdf
Law society interview; https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/lawyers-with-disabilities/legally-disabled-two-years-on
Some of Natasha's work; https://www.disabilitywales.org/author/natasha-hirstgmail-com/
Natasha's blog; https://natashahirstblog.co.uk

Kirsten, Autistic Solicitor Consultant, and Neurodiversity Advocate, joins us in this episode. Kirsten discusses her experience training in the magic circle and working in-house in the financial sector while undiagnosed. She also discusses her late diagnosis, the challenges of being a senior neurodivergent lawyer, what the sector needs to change and how they can do so, as well as some useful advice on navigating neurodiversity in the legal profession.


Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w44_iGlSEH2sEnym2H_aTNAsz7bSG9P8TFg7VE5AWps/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, we are joined by Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray, an Employment Law, and Partnerships Law firm.  Emma has been advocating and raising awareness through her work, appearing on podcasts, and writing several articles on neurodiversity in the workplace including in People Management. Emma discusses the legal obligations of employers, the rights of neurodivergent individuals, why they are a good fit for the sector, and general ideas around good practice in the legal profession. 
 
 People Management: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/experts/legal/managing-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace#gref
 
 Global Legal Post: https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/the-benefits-of-being-different-why-law-firms-should-embrace-neurodiversity-1732397067
 
 CM Murray: https://www.cm-murray.com/knowledge/navigating-neurodiversity-within-law-firms-embracing-the-benefits-and-understanding-the-challenges/

In this episode, we talk to Phoebe, a future In-house trainee solicitor at the BBC. Phoebe, who runs @trainwithtiss on Instagram, discusses her journey, why she chose in-house, mental health, 'lawfluencing', alongside lots of helpful tips and tricks! For the last 20 minutes of the episode, we flip the script and Phoebe interviews us about the project, neurodiversity, and law. 

We speak with Alice, a dyspraxic future trainee at a top 25 firm and University of Oxford student, in this episode. We go over everything from discussing your neurodivergence on applications to disclosure, asking for reasonable adjustments, how to ace commercial awareness and competency interviews, and delivering feedback. This is one of the first thorough podcasts for neurodivergent applicants to aid in getting a training contract; we recommend supplementing it with additional resources and keeping in mind that this is based on both of our personal experiences.

All opinions are our own and not representative of our future employers. 

In this episode, we are joined by Leanne Maskell. Leanne is the author of ADHD: an A to Z, and The Model Manifesto, who has appeared on Sky News, and the BBC to talk about her experiences. She is also an ADHD Coach and Legal Consultant who has advised/trained the likes of Microsoft and Lewis Silkin on neurodiversity. Leanne discusses her personal journey, alongside key insights from her coaching/consultancy, and provides an overview of the issues in the sector and what can be done to overcome them.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannemaskell
ADHD Works: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/adhd-works-6891301963426803712
ADHD: an A to Z: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADHD-Z-Leanne-Maskell/dp/B08SGXMNM9/ref=asc_df_B08SGXMNM9_nodl/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=500798696358&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14485589709550129539&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007161&hvtargid=pla-1234984872217&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

In this episode, we are joined by the University of Sheffield's Edward Bramley Law Society to talk about their approach to neurodiversity and welfare. Alice, the Vice-President who has anxiety and BPD, and Sharon, the Inclusion Officer, also discuss a wider university approach and what more they can do to better accommodate neurodivergent students. 

This week we chat with Elaine, a Commercial Property Solicitor at a Top 200 firm, about her experience with Dyspraxia, whilst managing legal education and work.  Elaine provides her insights and tips for attaining work as a Paralegal, Trainee, and Qualified Solicitor. We also discuss mental health and issues with the diagnostic process. 

This week, we're joined by Laura Yeates, Head of Graduate Talent, and Zoe Jenkins, Graduate Recruitment Specialist from Clifford Chance, a Magic Circle International Law firm. In this episode, we talk about 'stigma-busting' initiatives and approaches to neurodivergent diversity and inclusion in the firm's recruitment process, as well as some helpful recommendations and guidance for applicants.