I was always told that I talk too much, in fact it was the reason why I initially said I wanted to become a lawyer after a recommendation from my granny because of my ability to talk to anyone.
It wasn’t until I went to University that I really developed an appetite for public speaking. I spoke on the panel at two Epoc Careers Conferences, answering questions from sixth form students on studying law at University and on one occasion was chosen to be the lead speaker, selecting questions from the audience and passing them to relevant members of the panel. I later returned to my old school to talk to students again about university.
In 2020, after successfully entering the legal profession but struggling with anxiety and depression, I decided I wanted to speak about my experiences to help break stigma around mental illness. I was selected to be the Wellness Representative for the Surrey Junior Lawyers’ division, a role I continued for two years. This gave me the opportunity to speak at and host a number of events for Surrey Junior Lawyers’ division and the University of Law, speaking openly about my experiences. It was during this time that I realised I was AuDHD and so the events I spoke at after this also focused on these experiences. I also set up my YouTube page to spotlight other individuals on mental health and neurodiversity in the legal profession.
In 2022, I joined LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal profesison, first as a Peer Supporter and then as a Champion and have spoken at a number of webinars on anxiety, depression, burnout, imposter syndrome, autism and ADHD, with some webinars topping out at over 300 attendees. I also wrote an article for LawCare on ‘My journey to an ADHD and autism diagnosis’.
I also volunteered for Neurodiversity in Business which saw me speak at Barclays Eagle Labs in Sheffield and for Chesemel Unplugged Podcast.
A career highlight came in October 2023, when I was selected to deliver the TedX talk ‘Embracing ADHD and autism isn’t a burden, it’s a gift’. This was a career highlight and it has seen my message be viewed by almost 10000 people already.
I now have over 10 years’ experience speaking on a variety of topics and I have no intention of stopping. It is my mission to see awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity, and all who are neurodivergent not just the stereotypes, and for the improvement of mental health in the legal profession and beyond.
Check out my YouTube link for videos of some of the events.
I can deliver talks and training for your team, law firm or education provider on autism and ADHD in the legal profession, battling anxiety and depression in the early stages of your career, overcoming imposter syndrome and burnout and unique journeys into the profession. I am also happy to discuss creating a bespoke session based on your needs. Contact us to discuss more.