Queenie Djan

Dec 13, 2023

2 min read

Queenie Djan is a future pupil barrister starting in October 2020. She graduated with a law degree from Nottingham in 2019 and went straight on to commence the BPTC at BPP, completing it this year. She was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 15, and dyspraxia at 18.

On being neurodivergent:

To be neurodivergent simply means to think differently. It was a relief when I found out. It provided me with an explanation and reason for why I found certain things difficult. It means that my mind just has a different way of thinking and processing.

Before my diagnosis I constantly described myself as stupid. I was a high achiever, so not being able to tell the time on a clock or spell the simplest of words undermined my confidence so much. Now I understand that the logistics of my mind work a little different to the average person.

Did you change the way you studied after your diagnosis?

It hugely impacted the way I study. I was given some amazing learning aids, like Dragon, which can read your work back to you. This was a huge support as I was unable to see or hear my own errors. I also learnt how to make revision notes more accessible by using colours.

Have you ever felt apprehensive about declaring your condition at university or on pupillage applications?

I have never felt embarrassed to disclose my condition. It’s so important to disclose it in academic settings so I get the correct support as quickly as possible.

I disclosed it on pupillage applications as I had no reason to hide it. I feel that the fact I have dyslexia but have achieved so much is testament to my hard work and ability to overcome challenges. However, I have felt worried that people don’t know enough about it and might misinterpret what it is. Ultimately if a chambers for some reason has an issue with it, then that wouldn’t be the type of place I would like to be a pupil at. It’s a part of my identity.

Is there enough awareness of neurodivergence?

Not at all! I had struggled with clear symptoms of dyslexia and dyspraxia right through school and didn’t get diagnosed until right before my GCSEs. I would have had such better confidence levels and probably achieved much higher at school if I was diagnosed earlier and given the correct support.

How has your neurodivergence prepared you for pupillage?

I feel as though the bar should be just as representative as the public it serves. I feel that being neurodivergent does make me a little more creative and relatable. For example, if I was to get a client who had a learning difficulty, I feel I would be better placed to support them due to shared experiences and knowledge.

Moreover, being dyslexic and getting into a profession where writing, spelling, grammar and prose are of super high importance is an achievement for me. I had to work really hard to perform at the same standard as my peers and that makes me hard working and adaptable.

If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Don’t be so hard on yourself, you are already doing your best even if it doesn’t seem like it.

September 2020.

All opinions are of the individuals and not of Neurodiversity in Law.