IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
2 Nov - 7 Nov 2025
Session information
Being a lawyer and neurodivergent – is the legal sector lagging behind when it comes to diversity and inclusion of neurodivergent lawyers?
Wednesday 5 November (1115 - 1230)
Committee(s)
Diversity and Equality Law Committee
(Lead)
Description
There is an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace for neurodivergent employees, and studies have showed that employers succeeding in attracting and retaining neurodivergent employees benefit from this in a number of different aspects. A recent study from the UK does, however, indicate that the legal sector is lagging behind, and that more than three-quarters of neurodivergent lawyers have not disclosed their condition in the workplace to avoid discrimination. In this session, we will analyse and discuss the reason for this and what it will take to change the reluctance to be open about the challenges that neurodivergent lawyers may face as well as the potential reasonable adjustments that will improve inclusion of neurodivergent lawyers.