World Autism Awareness Day: five reasons why being autistic makes me a better barrister

World Autism Awareness Day 2026 is about the worth of autistic people. As such, I thought I’d raise awareness about why I think autism makes me (and probably many other barristers) better at this job and worth instructing.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting how a person interacts with and experiences the world. While I was only diagnosed with Level 1  Autism (formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome) at the ripe old age of 28, my autistic traits have been present since early childhood, and I would not have been given this diagnosis now if the psychiatrist and assessor were not satisfied that they were (despite current discourse suggesting anyone and everyone is being diagnosed as autistic at the moment, when in fact many missed (usually female) individuals are finally receiving recognition and validation after a lifetime of feeling like something is wrong with them). 

As such, I became a barrister before I had my diagnosis, but I have no doubt in my mind that my autistic traits both helped me get here and continue to make me (humbly) good at my job. Here are five reasons why. 

Reason 1: I practise in one of my special interests

Autistic special interests are intense, focused passions for specific topics which give the autistic person both immense joy and result in exceptional expertise. For example, autism ambassador and Lioness Lucy Bronze MBE is “obsessed” with football and loves every single thing about it, and considers that her  autism is the reason why she is playing at the highest level.

 As hard as it may be for some people to understand, I have a special interest in housing law. If people can have a special interest in something as boring as trains (in my opinion), then why can’t mine be in housing law? My autism makes me both enjoy my job and know everything I can about it.

While not all my special interests assist me with my job (though I’m not sure collecting key chains hinders me either), my passion for housing law certainly does!

Reason 2: Hyperfocus

Linking to the above, since I practice in one of my special interests, I am able to hyperfocus when working and intensely concentrate on the task at hand: if you instruct me, I will get the work done and do it to the best of my ability.

Reason 3: A strong sense of justice

Many autistic people, myself included, possess a profound sense of justice and fairness, driven by intense empathy as well as a desire for consistency of outcomes. As such, many autistic people feel compelled to stand up against unfairness and to advocate for others. A clear example is Greta Thunberg, whose autism has been credited for her singular focus on climate activism and challenging unjust practices.

It follows that, having this trait, a practice in Legal Aid (and at Doughty Street) was a natural fit, as I wanted to represent those who had been treated unfairly and who needed assistance preventing infringement of their rights. 

Further, this strong sense of justice comes from ‘rule-based thinking’, a need for consistency in the application of the rules. Again, this is a strength as a barrister as I am able to identify when the rules have been broken and my client’s rights infringed. Conversely however, I can also clearly identify when the law has been followed, even if the outcome seems unfair, enabling me to provide accurate and realistic advice and to focus on the best route to secure the outcome my client needs.

Reason 4: Attention to detail

Autistic individuals, including myself, often possess exceptional attention to detail. For example, Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic artist from Devon, can draw entire cityscapes from memory after only glancing at them once.

While perhaps not as impressive, for me this attention to detail means I can spot defences that others may miss, and it also enables me to easily identify inconsistencies both in the papers and during oral evidence itself, allowing me to formulate and administer a damning cross examination to powerfully advance my client’s case.

Reason 5: Literal thinking

Often portrayed as one of the most negative and frustrating of the autistic traits, I find it helpful within the context of my cases. Many of my clients have been unsupported and disbelieved by many others. This autistic trait means that I will believe what my clients tell me and advocate for them on that basis unless and until there is evidence contrary to what they have told me. This enables me to argue my client’s position exactly as they would wish it to be put (albeit clothed in the language of the law), fearlessly and persuasively.

Those are just five reasons I think my autism makes me a better barrister, but I suspect there are many more. I know I am not the only autistic lawyer out there, and would love to hear from others as to what autistic traits help make them good lawyers this World Autism Awareness Day. 

Cara Hall is a barrister specialising in Housing Law at Doughty Street Chambers. She is involved in the running of Chambers’ newly established Neurodiversity Group.