Supporting Vulnerable and Neurodiverse Clients in Legal Practice

We at Montrose are proud to announce the release of our Vulnerable Client Guide 2.0. Following the success of the first release, this version focuses on helping lawyers navigate the complexities of working with neurodiverse clients.

The guide offers practical strategies and considerations to help legal professionals navigate complex situations with greater sensitivity, awareness, and effectiveness. By providing clear guidance, the resource aims to promote more inclusive practices, strengthen client relationships, and ensure that all individuals are able to engage meaningfully in the legal process.

We recognise that supporting neurodiverse clients can be challenging and demanding.

At times, traditional processes (particularly around deadlines and communication) do

not work well for everyone.

This is one of the reasons we created the guide: to help us think more carefully about

how we adapt our ways of working, improve understanding of neurodivergence, and

develop more flexible, compassionate approaches that work better for both clients and

staff.

What the Guide Covers

With clinical input from a range of Montrose practitioners and advisors, this guide brings together practical insight and structured guidance to support legal practitioners in working effectively with vulnerable and neurodiverse clients. It includes:

• Understanding Neurodivergence

• Common Challenges in Legal Contexts

• ADHD and Legal Engagement

• Communication Best Practice

• Relationship Management

• Structuring Meetings Effectively

• Trauma-Informed Practice

Endorsements

“This guide offers clear, practical and empathetic guidance for lawyers working with neurodivergent clients. It provides invaluable support in helping practitioners communicate effectively, build trust, and ensure that vulnerable clients can participate meaningfully in the legal process.”

Emma Hatley | Partner | Family | Stewarts

“This guide is hugely useful and I’ll certainly turn to it for help structuring meetings and supporting clients.”

Ben Parry-Smith | Partner | Family | Payne Hicks Beach

“A profoundly thoughtful and pragmatic guide for lawyers advising clients with ADHD. Highly recommended.”

Luke Scarratt | Senior Associate | Family | Payne Hicks Beach

"The intersection between legal process and mental health is often overlooked. This resource bridges that gap beautifully. By promoting collaboration between legal and clinical professionals, it ensures clients receive holistic, humane support from start to finish. Nowhere is this more important than when working with vulnerable clients who are neurodivergent or who have experienced trauma."

Peter Burgess | Senior Partner | Burgess Mee Family Law

Endorsed also by:

Nick Manners | Partner and Head of Family Department | Family | Payne Hicks Beach

Evelyn Collins | Associate | Family | Payne Hicks Beach

For a copy of the guide:

Please get in touch with Sophie Horn: sh@montrosehealthgroup.com

Clincial Input from:

Dr Mike Heaver - Clinical Psychologist

Dr Martha Harrison - Clinical Psychologist

Kiran Tabasum - Physican Assistant and ADHD Assessor

Camila Gutiérrez - Mindfullness Coach