About The ND Lawyer Project
Our Mission
Collaboration
Collaboration
Neurodivergent led meaningful inclusion in the legal sector and beyond.
Collaboration
Collaboration
Collaboration
We work collaboratively with firms, organisations and education providers to create tailored packages that foster true neurodivergent inclusion.
Community
Collaboration
Community
We provide resources and enhanced networking opportunities for aspiring and current neurodivergent lawyers and legal professionals.
About The ND Lawyer Project
Our History
The ND Laywer Project was set up in 2021 by Amelia Platton, an Autistic and Dyspraxic magic circle Trainee Solicitor. Amelia was diagnosed as Dyspraxic at 17 after poor grades in her AS-Levels. She went on to improve her grades, gaining a place at the University of Leeds in 2017. During University, Amelia struggled to find her place and underwent treatment for various mental health conditions. She saw very little people like her and assumed that she would not make it in the legal profession as a result. After gaining work experience, whereby she struggled with disclosure and adjustments, she tried to find networks for neurodiversity but found nothing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amelia experienced a severe depression and had to go through mitigating circumstances in her final year, but managed to gain a 1st (through unrecognised special interests and hyperfocus!). Upon graduation, Amelia continued to apply for training contracts and legal roles but faced discrimination, reasonable adjustment failure and ignorance towards her neurodivergence. She set up an Instagram page to talk about her experience. The response was overwhelming, leading to the creation of a podcast, providing a platform for shared stories. Through chatting to people on the podcast and on reflection of past experience, Amelia realised she was likely Autistic and received a diagnosis in early 2023. A month later, she received a training contract offer. A dedicated team joined the cause, and we worked hard to expand the project. We won awards, appeared in major publications and on podcasts/other media and amassed a large following.
We started contacting hundreds of law firms and other organisations, working with them to better their offering for neurodivergent employees and applicants. We also set up various schemes and platforms to help and support neurodivergent individuals in the sector. Through hard work (and lots of late nights, resilience and subscription fees!), the ND Lawyer Project grew into the community it is today.
Collaboration
We don't believe in partnership for partnerships sake. When a firm or organisation reaches out to us or agrees to work with us, we get to work designing a tailored programme of initiatives (which is why you'll rarely see us doing the same thing twice!). We pick our partners carefully, only working with those that either embody our values, or strive to. Because we believe that impact speaks louder than appearance we focus on what will help the most people in the most meaningful way.* Our packages range from collaborative events, brochures/publications, training and awareness workshops to social media campaigns, podcasts and so much more. So far we have worked with over 20 law firms and 15 organisations/higher-education providers.*
*We have also done a number of ad-hoc collaborations where we deem it appropriate or it works best for our partner.
*Please note, we cannot provide information on all of these due to confidentiality agreements, however, we still have plenty of examples.
Community
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to placing neurodivergent individuals front and center in all our endeavors. Unlike merely producing content for our audience, we take pride in actively engaging them every step of the way. Throughout the years, we've pioneered various initiatives, ranging from mentorship and buddy programs to collaborative project groups. At the core of our efforts lies the establishment of a vibrant community, uniting aspiring and seasoned legal professionals alike.
Our approach goes beyond conventional guidance – we provide tailored advice that is both empathetic and practical, fostering a sense of unity among our community members. Our goal is to empower individuals to not only advocate for themselves but also to recognize that self-advocacy is a journey where support is key. We encourage acceptance, acknowledging that everyone's path is unique, and it's okay not to conform to preconceived expectations. Join us in building a community that celebrates diversity and champions the success of neurodivergent individuals in the legal profession.
key problems faced by neurodivergent lawyers
- Discrimination
- Lack Of Reasonable Adjustments
- Misplaced Paternalism
- Slurs
- Bullying & Prejudice
- Disability initiatives that do not transcend into practise
- Lack of awareness and a presence of misconceptions
- Being unable to make friends and integrate socially
- Lack of representation
- Lack of career progression
- Lack of Neurodivergent diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Lack of consideration of intersectionality with other protected characteristics
- Unsuitable working environments
- Unrealistic targets
- Presenteeism and hiding neurodivergent traits causing additional harm