Award-winning law firm Cygnet Law has launched a dedicated neurodiversity-aware service following specialist training, strengthening the support available to neurodivergent clients and their families across its legal departments.
Working with local charity Daisy Chain, who support autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families, colleagues across the firm participated in specialist training to develop additional knowledge and practical skills to better understand and respond to clients’ individual needs.
The initiative was developed following an increase in neurodivergent clients and parents with additional needs accessing the firm’s Family Law services. Discussions across the firm highlighted that this too was the case across their other service areas: Conveyancing, Wills and Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
The service supports clients with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence, recognising that individuals may communicate, process information and respond to situations differently.
Depending on individual needs, adjustments may include alternative communication methods, additional time during appointments, accessible formats for legal information, movement breaks or sensory tools. Clients are encouraged to discuss any requirements with the team so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Stacey Phoenix, Head of Family Law at Cygnet Law, said:
“Through our work in Family Law, we’ve seen an increase in the number of clients who are neurodivergent or have additional needs, particularly parents and children involved in care proceedings.
We wanted to do more than simply recognise these challenges. We wanted to make sure our teams had the right training, knowledge and resources to provide meaningful support.
By establishing this service, we’re giving clients the reassurance that they can come to us, speak openly about their needs and know that we have the understanding and skills to adapt.
The firm’s Family Law team has also undertaken specialist advocacy training and training with agencies that offer third party support with advocates and intermediaries within the court arena, helping colleagues recognise communication difficulties and adapt their approach when supporting individuals involved in legal proceedings.
For parents involved in care proceedings, particularly those working with Social Services, understanding complex legal information and communicating their views can present additional challenges. Parents whose children also have neurodiversity issues have the confidence that the team can support their whole family.
Amber Lockett, Solicitor within Cygnet Law’s Family Department, said:
“As someone who represents parents and children in care proceedings, I recognise that some people need extra support when it comes to engaging, communicating and understanding information about their proceedings.
“It is fundamental that everyone involved in care proceedings can understand the process and does not feel disadvantaged due to their neurodivergence.
“I am proud to be helping lead this change and to be part of a team that is trained to represent autistic and neurodivergent clients, playing our part in making sure they are properly represented and listened to.
“The training we have received was thorough and detailed and has allowed us to make changes to our service in the best interests of those who need it. By extending this approach across all departments, we are now equipped with the skills to better support our clients and will be putting these into practice to make a difference.”
The approach also extends to clients preparing Wills, arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney or dealing with property matters, where individual communication needs and adjustments can be equally important.
Chloe Million, Solicitor within Cygnet Law’s Wills and Probate team, said:
“I found the neurodiversity training delivered by Daisy Chain extremely informative. It provided valuable insight into the different ways neurodivergent people communicate, process information and experience the world.
“The training has helped me develop a greater understanding of how to adapt my communication style and approach each client with empathy, ensuring the legal advice and support I provide is accessible and tailored to their individual needs.”
The service is available across Cygnet Law’s Family Law, Conveyancing and Wills and Probate departments, with clients encouraged to discuss their needs when making an enquiry or arranging an appointment.
With offices in Redcar and Middlesbrough, alongside a weekly Thursday drop-in at Loftus Town Hall, Cygnet Law continues to provide legal advice and support to communities across Teesside, East Cleveland and North Yorkshire.
For more information about Cygnet Law and its neurodiversity support services, visit www.cygnetlaw.co.uk or search Cygnet Law on social media.