Rethinking commercial real estate for neurodivergent clients 

At Birketts, we recognise that every client brings unique strengths, perspectives, and needs to the table – particularly in the fast-moving and often complex world of commercial property. Pedro Marques, a solicitor in our Commercial Real Estate Team, understands this from personal experience. As a neurodivergent legal professional, Pedro is committed to ensuring that real estate law advice is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to meet individual needs. 

Understanding neurodiversity 

Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how people think, process information, and communicate. It encompasses various conditions including: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

• Dyslexia 

• Dyspraxia 

• Tourette syndrome 

These conditions may affect the way we process information. In commercial real estate, it can influence how clients engage with information, make decisions, and navigate transactions. 

Key pressures for neurodivergent clients 

Commercial real estate law can be highly technical and time sensitive. For neurodivergent business owners, investors, landlords, or occupiers, some typical challenges may include: 

• interpreting lengthy documents such as heads of terms, agreements for leases, leases, contracts or transfers 

• navigating deadlines and negotiations with limited time for information processing 

• managing multiple simultaneous communications from solicitors, agents, broker, lenders, contractors and planners 

• attending meetings, read documents or participate in phone calls in environments that may be overwhelming. 

Without reasonable adjustments, these elements can make the process more difficult for neurodivergent clients, potentially leading to misunderstandings or delays. At Birketts, we strive to adjust and tailor the delivery of our legal advice to best suit clients’ needs.  

How Pedro supports neurodivergent clients 

Pedro works collaboratively with clients to ensure they are supported throughout their transaction. He tailors his approach based on each client’s preferences and needs at all times. Adjustments he can offer include: 

• using preferred communication methods (e.g. email rather than phone or phone rather than email)  

• offering meetings remotely or in quiet, sensory-considerate in-person environments 

• providing simplified written summaries of key clauses and terms in legal documents 

• sharing structured agendas ahead of meetings so that clients can prepare 

• communicating in plain English, without unnecessary legal jargon. 

A practical example 

In a recent matter, Pedro assisted a neurodivergent client in a complex shop lease. To support the client, he: 

• clarified the client’s responsibilities on the lease using bullet points and tables 

• structured correspondence clearly, with next steps and timelines clearly indicated 

• reminded the client of approaching deadlines 

• summarised the main terms of the lease in a plain-language report.  

This collaborative and inclusive approach reduced stress, built trust, and ensured the client was able to make informed decisions at every stage. 

Let us know how we can help 

Pedro believes inclusive legal practice is good legal practice. Supporting neurodivergent clients is not just about compliance with the Equality Act 2010 — it is about trust and clarity in legal advice. If you are neurodivergent or are working with or supporting someone who is — please feel comfortable to let us know of your communication preferences or access needs. 

To learn more about how Pedro Marques and our Commercial Real Estate Team can support you in your next commercial real estate transaction, please contact us.