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About the Event
Many legal firms are recognising the skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals. When individuals are supported in the right way, we see a number of organisational benefits including increased productivity and innovation, as well as increased well-being and retention for individuals.
Join us for a panel discussion where we bring together a number of legal professionals to discuss how to empower neurodivergent talent within the legal sector. The panel will share their experience and insights, discussing key topics such as:
The value add of neurodiversity in the legal sector
The current challenges for neurodivergent talent within the legal sector
Increasing disclosure and support requests
Adjustments and support for neurodivergent talent
Organisational barriers preventing neurodivergent individuals from thriving
…and more!
We will also hear the panellists top tips on empowering neurodivergent talent, and have an opportunity for audience Q&A at the end.
Meet our event panellists:
Mellissa O’Byrne | Event Host
Consulting Business Psychologist
Mellissa O'Byrne MA (Hons) MSc GMBPsS, is a Consulting Business Psychologist within Lexxic. She works with organisations on various consultancy projects to support their journey towards neuroinclusion. Prior to this role, she spent five years within Lexxic supporting individuals on a 121 basis, through assessments, training, and coaching. Mellissa's other professional experience includes management, HR, and recruitment.
Rachel Boyle
Emerging Talent Manager at BCLP, Co-Founder & Co-chair of Legal Neurodiversity Network (LNN), Founder of Nurturing Neurodivergence
“I believe in the power of connection and have created this mentoring initiative to facilitate the sharing of experiences among individuals like yourself. Through this platform, I aim to empower others by fostering connections and providing a supportive environment where confidence can thrive.
With an MSc in Psychology and over 12 years of experience in Human Resources, including eight years in the legal sector, I have had the privilege of supporting neurodivergent trainee lawyers in their early careers. This work, combined with my personal connection to neurodiversity, has fuelled my passion for this field. As a volunteer at the Samaritans and a Trainee Counsellor, I've seen first-hand how empathy, active listening, and genuine connection can pave the way for success and personal growth. I'm committed to leveraging these values to create a meaningful impact within our community.
As a Founder of the Legal Neurodiversity Network, featured as a case study in Sir Robert Buckland’s Review of Autism Employment, I am dedicated to sharing my views on how organisations can become more neuro-inclusive.”
Roshni Thakrar
Legal Counsel, podcaster, DEI speaker, mentor, Trustee and Governor to the PPI
Roshni is a qualified solicitor with over a decade of experience working in the City across various sectors and is currently looking for her next challenge.
A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Roshni is particularly passionate about neurodiversity following her diagnosis of dyslexia in 2022. As the co-chair of her company's neurodivergent network, she explores how to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. Her efforts in this area have earned her two prestigious internal awards in February 2024: the "Rising Star of the Year" and "Employee Network of the Year" awards, recognising her significant contributions toward shaping a better workplace culture.
Outside of work, Roshni has her own podcast, "Prim Rose Light" which can be found on Spotify and covers a range of mind, body, soul topics. There are also educational sessions on climate change, and other relevant issues. Roshni enjoys public speaking, coaching and educating, all of which led to creating her own consultancy where she now coaches and goes into companies and delivers training on addressing issues for neurodiversity and how practices can be more inclusive for all and why, ethically, legally and commercially, it matters so much.
Amelia Platton
Trainee Solicitor at magic circle firm and Founder of the ND Lawyer Project
Amelia is a late-diagnosed Austistic and Dyspraxic Trainee Solicitor at a magic circle firm in London. Amelia is also the founder of the ND Lawyer Project, an advocacy group of volunteers to aim to create community and bring unfiltered neurodivergence to the legal profession (with a focus on aspiring lawyers and early careers). We run various projects from a buddies scheme, collaborations and podcast to events, free resources and a blog.
Pam Loch
Solicitor and Managing Director of Loch Associates Group
Pam is an experienced dual qualified Solicitor who set up Loch Associates Group in 2007 to respond to the need for bespoke people solutions. The business has now evolved from providing employment law and HR support to providing services ranging from employment and business law and HR support through to immigration, training and wellbeing and mediation.
As well as being the Managing Director of Loch Associates Group, Pam has also been a specialist, award-winning Employment Law Solicitor for over 20 years. She writes articles and contributes to books, as well as being a seasoned commentator on television and radio. Pam has been ranked for the last 13 years, as a Leading Solicitor in Employment Law in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners legal guides with Loch Law being ranked as a leading firm too.