Stellar Evolution: Career Paths of Autistic Professionals in Corporate Law Firms

Abstract

This chapter provides an insight into the career paths of autistic professionals in large private practice law firms. Rather than being a result of efforts to recruit autistic people for the first time through targeted hiring programmes, it is suggested that corporate law firms recognized these strengths early in their formation and developed a type of employment both well suited to autistic strengths and able to make accommodations. Six career stages from Law Student to Retired Partner are described with their opportunities and challenges to illustrate the career paths of autistic professionals who work in law. A call is made for an approach to inclusiveness of the autism community by employers and professional associations to create a system of employment system that supports the employment of many while meeting the unique needs of individuals.

Citation

Hinder, A.M. (2022), "Stellar Evolution: Career Paths of Autistic Professionals in Corporate Law Firms", Hurley-Hanson, A.E. and Giannantonio, C.M. (Ed.) Generation A (Emerald Studies in Workplace Neurodiversity), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 65-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-263-820220004