In the first in our Neurodivergence and the Law mini-series, Lawpodder Sarah McMahon and Dr Lauren Dempster interview Naomi Maxwell and Dr Amanda Kramer about their research on autism and policing in Northern Ireland.
In the UK, more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum (National Autistic Society 2023). However, research shows that police can misunderstand or misinterpret the behaviour of autistic individuals, leading to suspicion, inappropriate responses, and rights violations. In this episode, Naomi and Amanda discuss the relationship between policing and autism, the methodology and findings of Naomi’s LLM Dissertation research on autism training in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the changes they would like to see in policy and practice.
Autism and Policing in Northern Ireland
The Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) ALT Belfast Vacation Scheme provides a great introduction to being a Trainee Solicitor within ALT. This paid scheme gives candidates a chance to do real work for clients within two different practice areas whilst getting to know the staff team and culture of the Belfast office. This 4-week scheme will start in June 2024, and is the only external route to obtain a place on the ALT Trainee Solicitor Programme in 2025. At scheme end, HSF will look at the performance of participants across the programme, before making offers for permanent graduate opportunities in the Belfast office, such as Trainee Solicitor positions and Legal Analyst roles if they are available.
Eligible candidates must:
●be a penultimate year or final year law student or LLM student with a Law degree or a Graduate with a qualifying Law degree (including PGDL);
●have evidence of consistent 2:1s throughout their degree nb: HSF will take into account any mitigating circumstances which an applicant has.
The closing date for applications is 15th December 2023, but interested students are strongly advised to submit their application sooner rather than later.
To see full Job Description, visit:
To apply, visit:
2024 Belfast Vacation Scheme | Herbert Smith Freehills (brassring.com)
If you have queries about this scheme, or need support with your application, then go along to the HSF Pop-Up on Tuesday 21st November. This stand at One Elmwood will be open between 12noon and 3pm, and HSF staff will be on hand to answer any questions from interested students.
The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Guide is compiled from a survey of over 2,000 trainees and pupils at firms and chambers across the UK, to find out all about their training contracts and pupillages. The guide examines areas such as client contact, work/life balance, job satisfaction, international secondments to legal tech, etc; it brings you trainees’ and pupils’ honest thoughts on every aspect of their training. The guide provides advice on a range of matters, from outlining the initial research and the choosing of a firm or chambers to making sure you put your best foot forward at an assessment day or interview.
Each student has different priorities when it comes to choosing a law firm or chambers, so this survey categorizes scores into Winners’ Tables. Whether your main concern is supervisor approachability or salary, the guide can point you in the direction of a suitable firm. There are also interactive comparison tables which let you do just that – compare firms according to what’s important to you.
To view this resource, visit:
The Legal 500 Future Lawyers – The student guide to the UK's premier law firms