Adam Richardson - Our Voice, Our Stories

We asked Adam to share their experiences as a neurodivergent legal professional. Their story is part of 'Our Voices, Our Stories' - our series for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 featuring authentic experiences of neurodivergent legal professionals.

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“Would you mind introducing yourself and sharing which neurodivergent condition(s) you identify with or have been diagnosed with, to the extent you're comfortable doing so?”

My name is Adam Richardson, and I’m a barrister at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, specialising in chancery election law, commercial litigation, and other complex legal matters. I’m a trustee of the charity Neurodiversity in law. I’m neurodivergent; a diagnosed dyslexic, and my experiences have shaped both my professional path and my approach to legal practice but also had a significant influence on my formative years.

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“How has your neurodivergent thinking provided unique advantages or perspectives in your legal work? Are there aspects of your neurodivergence that you consider professional strengths?”

My neurodivergence has given me a strong analytical edge and a capacity for deep focus, which have been invaluable in handling large volumes of complex material. For example, in a recent case, I reviewed over 220,000 documents to assess their relevance and significance, a task I know a younger me would have found daunting and impossible, but I approached it methodically and effectively and did not allow myself to give up. My neurodivergence also allows me to engage with complex patterns and details that others might overlook, giving me an edge in litigation strategy and case preparation.

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“What reasonable adjustments have you received in your workplace that have been particularly helpful for you?”

I’ve benefited from a few key adjustments, including flexible scheduling and the ability to work in quiet environments when needed. These have made a meaningful difference by helping me manage sensory input and maintain focus during intense periods of work. I’ve found that having open conversations about these adjustments with my clerks and colleagues has been beneficial in building understanding and support.

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“Are there specific technologies, apps, or tools that have been particularly helpful for you in managing your work as a neurodivergent legal professional?”

Task breakdown strategies have been critical for me, particularly in managing large and multifaceted cases. I use a learning diary that syncs with my calendar to track progress and availability, which helps prevent burnout and ensures I stay on top of deadlines. I also rely on noise-cancelling headphones and structured time-blocking to manage my mental energy during high-pressure work periods.

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“If you could travel back in time, what wisdom would you share with your younger self about navigating the legal profession as a neurodivergent person?”

If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell him not to be afraid of asking for adjustments and to lean into the strengths that neurodivergence brings. Early in my career, I underestimated how much support was available and how valuable those conversations could be. My neurodivergence has shaped my career choices, particularly in areas that require strategic thinking and a deep understanding of detail which are qualities that are naturally suited to complex litigation and more technical areas I practice in.

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“What is your vision for neuroinclusivity in the legal profession? If you could change one thing about the legal profession to make it better for neurodivergent people, what would that be?”

My vision for the legal profession is one where neurodivergent traits are recognised as strengths rather than challenges to be overcome. In my work with Neurodiversity in Law, I want to focus on creating advocacy and training programs that educate law firms and chambers about the value of neurodivergent talent. I believe that building greater awareness and encouraging open conversations about neurodiversity will lead to a more inclusive and effective profession.

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This was part of ‘Our Voices, Our Stories’, a content series for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025. Explore more stories in this series at www.neurodiversityinlaw.co.uk/ncw2025 

Together, we can raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding neurodiversity in the legal profession because there is strength in all ways of thinking, and no mind should be left behind.