Redefining Neurodiversity in the Legal Profession

No two brains are the same, and that's a good thing! An estimated 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities or acquired brain differences. Given this prevalence, why are conversations around neurodiversity nonetheless so difficult, especially in the context of broader discussions about disabilities? How is it complicated further in the legal profession where neurodivergent lawyers are less likely to share or face additional barriers at work? And yet, neurodiversity benefits us professionally among ourselves and our clients. In this CLE, Haley will unpack the nuances of navigating disclosure, advocating for ourselves and others, and building accessibility into our understanding of inclusion. Come prepared for lightbulb moments, and leave feeling more empowered to tackle stigma.

Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of five books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a speaker and consultant to top corporations and organizations that seek her guidance in creating an inclusive workplace, and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'', “The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook”, and “Talking The Talk About Autism: How To Share And Tell Your Story”. Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.

This year, JWLA is continuing its efforts of community outreach and giving back to the local community.  For each luncheon, we will spotlight a local charity or other nonprofit organization and will conduct a donation drive, to be collected at that month’s luncheon.  This month, we will be spotlighting JWLA's Kathy Para Student Internship Fund at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA)! Through the creation and funding of this internship, JWLA seeks to promote access to justice, provide substantive legal experience for JWLA’s student membership, and foster a lifelong dedication to pro bono. This internship offers critical legal experience for a law student, while also providing needed legal services in our local community. This internship will fund at least one paid part-time position for a law student intern each summer to do the important work of JALA. To learn more or donate, please visit https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/JWLA/.

We hope you will join in on our effort to give back to our local community.  Any questions can be directed to Jess Lefebvre at [email protected].