Key points
- Cygnet Law, which has offices in Redcar and Middlesbrough, has launched a dedicated neurodiversity-aware service for clients with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence.
- Staff across the firm trained with Daisy Chain, a Teesside charity that supports autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families.
- The firm said the move followed a rise in neurodivergent clients, and parents with additional needs, using its Family Law services, particularly in care proceedings.
- The service covers the Family Law, Conveyancing and Wills and Probate departments, including Lasting Powers of Attorney.
What changes for clients
Depending on the client, the firm said adjustments may include different ways of communicating, extra time in appointments, legal information in accessible formats, movement breaks and sensory tools. Clients are asked to raise any needs when they first get in touch or book an appointment, so arrangements can be made in advance.
The Family Law team has also completed specialist advocacy training, and training with agencies that provide advocates and intermediaries in court, to help solicitors spot communication difficulties and adapt how they work with people in proceedings.
Comments
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.”
Amber Lockett, a solicitor in the firm’s Family Department who represents parents and children in care proceedings, said: “It is fundamental that everyone involved in care proceedings can understand the process and does not feel disadvantaged due to their neurodivergence.”
Chloe Million, a solicitor in the Wills and Probate team, said the Daisy Chain training “provided valuable insight into the different ways neurodivergent people communicate, process information and experience the world”, and had helped her adapt her communication style for each client.
About the firm
Cygnet Law, the trading name of Cygnet Family Law Limited, is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a licensed body. Alongside its Redcar and Middlesbrough offices it runs a weekly Thursday drop-in at Loftus Town Hall, serving clients across Teesside, East Cleveland and North Yorkshire.