Overcoming Speech Disorders in Law

By Dikshya Adhikari.

Reading time: four minutes

Stuttering and stammering, a speech problem that disrupts fluency, is a challenge faced by many, including legal professionals. For individuals who stutter or stammer, maintaining control over their voice can be a significant challenge due to the unpredictable nature of stuttering. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the legal profession, where strong verbal skills are seen as essential. This perception is often reinforced by the general public and the media depictions of lawyers, which emphasise their advocacy role in the courtroom.

There is a common belief that stuttering and stammering only occurs in childhood during the development of speech. However, according to the NHS UK, it is estimated that stammering affects approximately 1 in 50 adults. Despite its prevalence in both children and adults, people are unaware of what stuttering actually is and its impact on those who stutter.

Lee G. Lovett, a lawyer and author who has personally experienced severe stuttering, highlights in the third edition of his book ‘Stuttering and Anxiety Self-Cures’ that one of the causes of stuttering can be the desire for perfection. Given society’s perception of lawyers as eloquent speakers, individuals aspiring to become lawyers may seek validation from the public and media as skilled orators. This pursuit of perfection in speech can contribute to the development or exacerbation of stuttering, as Lovett suggests.

As a result, legal professionals who stutter may often feel inferior within their community. They may experience a sense of worthlessness when they are unable to express their emotions, such as anger or happiness. This feeling of inferiority can lead to various challenges in their professional lives, particularly in terms of their increasing inferiority complex. These communication difficulties can significantly impact their confidence, raising concerns about their ability to effectively represent clients, participate in courtroom proceedings, or engage in public speaking.

Read this article to learn about the importance of speaking up about your mental health: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/05/02/breaking-the-silence-on-mental-health/

Support system

Despite these challenges, it’s important to note that there are support systems available. STAMMA Legal is a network for people who stammer working in the legal profession, or are thinking about starting a career in law.

The network is for anyone working in the legal profession, and has been set up by Nick Fischer, Bethany Watson and Aonghus Heatley.

Fischer says that the network has three main aims:

1. Support Network: to provide a support network for people working in law, and a place to share experiences. The network holds regular support meetings and social events, and provides an opportunity to share experiences, advice or a chance to practise and develop communication skills in an encouraging and supportive environment.
2. Awareness: to raise awareness of stammering within the legal industry, by sharing information and engaging with law firms and other stakeholders around best practice for conducting interviews, assessments and working with employees who stammer. It is a sad fact that many people who stammer still experience discrimination at work and during interviews, so we hope that raising awareness of stammering can help to change attitudes at work.
3. Myth-busting: To encourage young people who may be dissuaded from pursuing a career in law, perhaps due to a belief that it requires outstanding fluency and public speaking skills, to stick with it. Despite certain unique challenges, having a stammer should in no way hinder a successful and fulfilling career in law. We hope that better visibility around stammering in the legal profession will help to dispel the myth that it is out of reach for many people. 

Read this article to find out more about mental health stigmas in law: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/05/15/mental-health-stigma-in-the-legal-profession/

Alternative legal routes

In the legal profession, there are a number of professional options where speaking extensively is not a prerequisite. One such choice is legal research and writing, in which lawyers research, evaluate, and create legal documents, including contracts, memoranda, and briefs. Another choice is corporate law, where lawyers assist businesses in complying with rules and regulations, drafting contracts, and offering legal counsel on commercial matters.

Furthermore, compared to traditional litigation, alternative conflict resolution procedures like mediation or arbitration involve less public speaking. Additional options include positions as in-house counsel for businesses, government agencies, or academic institutions, where the ability to communicate effectively is crucial but may not include a lot of public speaking. 

In today’s world, legal assistance is sought after by almost every company, big or small. This has created a demand for law graduates to work in various capacities within these organisations.

A speech disorder does not indicate a lack of intelligence or ability, as stereotypes suggest. Many prominent lawyers have overcome stuttering to advance in their careers. By sharing their stories and campaigning for better understanding and acceptance, these people are dispelling myths and motivating others to accept their stutter as an integral part of their identity.

One example is Joe Biden, the current President of the United States, who has broken stereotypes surrounding stuttering and made a name for himself on the global stage. Another example is Demosthenes, an ancient Greek orator and politician who overcame stuttering to become a renowned public speaker. These individuals are just a few among many who have defied expectations and achieved great success despite stuttering.

Despite its difficulties, stuttering and stammering may be a beneficial force for personal growth and development. It can help you develop perseverance, patience, and empathy, all of which are extremely useful skills in the legal field. By accepting their speech disorder, lawyers may unlock its transformational potential, increasing their abilities and becoming more effective advocates for their clients.

Overall

A speech disorder should never be seen as a barrier to the legal profession. Instead, it serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, shaping individuals into more empathetic, resilient, and determined professionals. It’s crucial to fully accept oneself and not hesitate to seek support when needed. Individuals who stutter or stammer should never feel compelled to hide or compromise their dreams due to societal expectations.