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Disability and neurodiversity in the solicitor profession

We’re pushing for change and progress because, like you, we believe that a diverse and inclusive profession is a resilient one. This guide explores the answers to common questions about disability and neurodiversity in the solicitor profession.

11 Feb 2025

3 minutes read

How to join the Disabled Solicitors Network

Membership of our Disabled Solicitors Network (DSN) is open to:

solicitors
aspiring solicitors
anyone else working in the profession such as D&I staff, who identifies as disabled or is interested in being an ally

You can join via your My LS account, which can be set up or accessed via our website:

login to your account
click the three dots in the top right-hand part of the screen
click on account settings
scroll to item four (diversity and inclusion interests) and add Disabled Solicitors Network

You will automatically be added to mailing lists for the DSN and our regular diversity and inclusion (D&I) update newsletter.

You will not receive notification of registration and it may be a while before you receive the first communication.

DSN advisory committee

The DSN advisory committee works with us on our disability inclusion work. We are not currently recruiting for DSN committee members.

DSN LinkedIn group

You can also join our LinkedIn group where you can stay in touch with other members and keep up to date with news and events.

This does not mean you will receive our newsletter: you will need to sign up for My LS following the steps above.

Support for disabled students

Explore our guidance on becoming a solicitor as a disabled student.

This includes details on support available to you at university and for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), through to applying for training positions and starting work.

It also explores potential funding opportunities, including:

You’ll also find information on sharing your disability why applying for jobs.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer work experience or formal mentoring programmes outside the scope of the Diversity Access Scheme.

Find out more with our trusted resources for aspiring solicitors.

Ensure your employer provides the reasonable adjustments you need

Explore our guide on reasonable adjustments in organisations which:

sets out best practice
outlines real examples of adjustments being provided in the profession
reminds employers of their legal obligations
provides tips on how to implement reasonable adjustments

The guide may be helpful in discussions with your employer.

Whilst it can be scary to proactively ask for reasonable adjustments, it is hard for your employer to put in place the right measures without your input and engagement.

The first step is to ask for what you need.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure: you can still reach out to your manager and HR contact and they may be able to get third-party support and guidance for you.

Larger organisations may have a specific workplace adjustments process that you will need to follow.

If you work in a smaller organisation, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and ACAS offer guidance.

Our guidance also signposts to Citizens Advice and Access to Work, which can pay for practical support to get into or stay in work.

It is important to remember that you should not be treated any less favourably by your employer as a result of conversations about the reasonable adjustments you need.

If you have been treated like this, or have not received the reasonable adjustments to which you feel you are entitled, please read below.

What to do if you think you have experienced discrimination

We are unable to provide legal advice or carry out individual case work related to discrimination.

Depending on the nature of your issue, you may find useful information on the following pages:

Find a Solicitor – for details of solicitors who may be able to assist
Our careers advice – including careers clinics
Civil Legal Advice (CLA)
LawCare – including a helpline to provide emotional and mental health support
Law Centres Network
Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHCR) – advice service for people who need advice and support on discrimination issues

Further support from the legal sector

Depending on the nature of your issue, the following may be of assistance.

These links are provided without any recommendation or liability on the part of the Law Society.

If you have another question which has not been answered above, you can contact our Disabled Solicitors Network (DSN) or use our helplines for solicitors.

The support we offer is based on the information you give us.

Whilst we will endeavour to support and guide you, we do not offer legal advice or accept any responsibility for any liability which arises as a result of the support we provide.

Contact our Disabled Solicitors Network (DSN)

Email disabledsolicitors@lawsociety.org.uk.

Our Disabled Solicitors Network (DSN) is a network of disabled/neurodivergent people and allies within the profession, who also help shape our inclusion work.

Members of our DSN committee may be able to speak with you, subject to their availability. This would be one call for a maximum of 30 minutes.

As our DSN committee members are volunteers, unfortunately we are unable to provide follow up or ongoing support to individual network members. No formal mentoring scheme is available.

We are unable to provide legal advice or carry out individual case work.

Any information exchanged on calls with our volunteers will be treated as confidential, unless we consider there to be a safeguarding issue.

However, as a representative and membership body, we aim to influence on behalf of the whole profession, including disabled solicitors.

If we receive feedback and information, such as through enquiries, this will be used (anonymously) to provide examples to support our goals around equal access and opportunity in the profession.

Use our helplines for solicitors

Our free and confidential helplines offer practical support to solicitors and their employees on professional and personal issues.

You will find details on our helplines and further advice for solicitors and their employees, and the terms under which these answers and support are provided.

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I want to know more

Innovation flourishes when people are welcomed, encouraged and supported to contribute their unique perspectives and diversity and inclusivity give firms and organisations the competitive edge they need to attract and retain the best talent.

Discover our diversity and inclusion framework to take a systematic approach and create lasting change in your firm or organisation.

Explore our guide on disability terminology and language for an explanation of terms used in these questions and elsewhere on our website.