My name is Rachael Andrew, from Belfast Northern Ireland. I am an Associate (Solicitor) at Lewis Silkin and I am neurodivergent. I have a long-term memory problem which causes my dyslexia.
I started working when I was 18 during a gap year to save for university. I worked the nightshift in the canteen of a tobacco factory, I worked as a retail manager and I worked in the sales department for a popular gym. After my gap year, I started the University of Derby in 2007, where I worked in a 5* hotel as Front of House and Housekeeping staff during the holidays.
In 2010 I graduated with LL.B(hons) first class honours from the University of Derby, I then moved home to Northern Ireland and completed my LL.M in Human Rights and Criminal Justice at Queens University, Belfast whilst working full time; first as a part time receptionist then worked my way up to a duty manager in another 5* hotel. My first legal job was in 2012 where I started as a Legal Clerk, filing papers. I then moved to another firm in 2014, where I was paralegal for a year before starting my training contract in 2015. I qualified in 2017, where I started as an NQ at Forde Campbell LLC, and in January 2022 we merged with Lewis Silkin where I am now an Associate.
In the past, when applying for a role, I was once told, with what I believe was a misguided intent to be kind, that I would be suited more to, and I quote, “in-house roles due to my incredible organisational skills” (which are a coping mechanism for my dyslexia), however, at Lewis Silkin they could not be more supportive. As our firms merged, I did not go through the application process, however, since starting at the firm, I have received fantastic support, a disability passport has been carefully shaped around my needs and reasonable adjustments have been put in place which really help me, in what is a very demanding and fast paced job.
The unique skills and strengths my disability has given me, which are an asset in the workplace are:
Good problem solving.
Creative – out-of-the-box-thinking with excellent big-picture thinking
We work with a lot of creative clients, and I understand my clients well, as I am also a creative person.
Observant – good colleague and friend
High levels of empathy and compassion
Good at making connections – Business Development is an essential part of being a successful solicitor
Organisation skills as a coping mechanism
The advice I would give to disabled students applying for roles is what is for you will not go past you. Please believe that; I have had many doors shut to me that I was absolutely devastated about and didn’t understand why at the time, but it led me here to the best job I’ve ever had at Lewis Silkin, to a firm with the most exciting opportunities, to a company who understands my needs and is investing in me. It has taken me years to see the benefits of my dyslexia instead of the burden and some days I still have my doubts, but here I am thriving and happy.