Please enjoy this blog post authored by Stephanie Carty, Senior Manager, Real Estate Practice Group, Goulston & Storrs, P.C.
Last April, I went out of my comfort zone and wrote a blog about neurodiversity in legal professions. In the year since writing this piece, I have received many emails, phone calls, and other messages thanking me for broaching this important topic and offering a view into this growing population. I’m often asked which organizations in the legal industry are leading the way in this area, and what resources are available for neurodivergent individuals in law. In this follow-up piece, I’ll highlight some of the firms and initiatives making meaningful progress toward greater neurodiversity inclusion in the legal profession.
Recently, the conversation around diversity in the workplace has grown more nuanced—and rightly so. Beyond race, gender, and sexual orientation, society is increasingly recognizing neurodiversity as a vital component of inclusion. Neurodiverse professionals, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, bring valuable perspectives and strengths to legal work—particularly in areas requiring focus, pattern recognition, and innovative thinking. While many firms address accommodation on a case-by-case basis, there are some who have rolled out improvements and new initiatives to support this population.
Latham & Watkins
The firm offers several affinity groups, including the Disability & Neurodiversity Network, focusing on initiatives for professional staff and attorneys that strengthen accessibility across the firm. These efforts include recruiting, employee satisfaction, promotion and retention of colleagues with disabilities or those who are neurodiverse.
Linklaters
In 2023, the firm partnered with AXA to roll out a Neurodiversity Assessment and Support Service to colleagues in the UK. Employees (and eligible family members!) get access to screenings, diagnostic services, and tools to manage conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Neurodiversity training has been rolled out across all business teams and practice groups, covering inclusive language, the benefits and challenges of neurodiversity, and practical tips for managers and colleagues.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
In 2024, Pillsbury announced a new initiative to support its UK employees by providing up to £3,000 for specialist neurodiversity assessments and assistance. The firm also committed to providing comprehensive workplace support for employees identifying as neurodiverse.
Reed Smith
For the past several years, Reed Smith has held their flagship event, Disability Inclusion Virtual Summit, with a goal to “explore the evolving mindset around disability and inclusion.” They host a podcast, Inclusivity Included, featuring episodes dedicated specifically to neurodiversity-related topics.
Stinson
The firm’s Director of Wellbeing, Krista Larson, was featured on the Association of Legal Administrators’ podcast episode "Embracing Neurodiversity in Legal with Casey Dixon and Krista Larson." In the episode, Larson mentions the collaborative efforts between the Stinson and life coaching partners to raise awareness about neurodiversity and executive function disorders in law and provides insight on navigating these conditions in the workplace.
Conclusion
Why do these efforts matter? Neurodivergent professionals are already part of your workforce—some may not feel safe disclosing that part of their identity, while others may not yet recognize it in themselves. Every brain works differently, and that diversity isn’t a reason to exclude—it’s a reason to embrace. Neurodiversity brings unique and valuable strengths to the table: creative problem-solving, deep focus, resilience, and empathy shaped by navigating the world in a different way. Creating space for these strengths benefits everyone.
To every firm wondering how to support neurodivergent staff: start small, listen well, and be open to doing better. When legal workplaces embrace the full spectrum of our population, we all stand to win.
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