ADHD affects approximately 4–5% of adults worldwide, yet a 2016 American Bar Association study suggests over 12% of legal professionals have ADHD.
This highlights the importance of understanding how ADHD influences the work of lawyers like me. I only found out about the possibility that I had ADHD two weeks before I started my traineeship. Getting diagnosed while also learning the ropes of legal practice led to a healthy dose of anxiety.
However, with the support of colleagues, other members of the profession, and my friends and family, the experience of living with ADHD (as well as increased awareness and research of my neurotype) has enabled me to adopt strategies that manage any challenges and make the most of my strengths.
Sensory overload
Dealing with sensory overload is a challenge. While most people’s brains naturally filter out background noise —conversations, keyboard clicks, ringing phones— I am acutely aware of every sound around me.
That can have benefits. I might overhear a partner discussing a case I’m involved with and have some context before being assigned tasks. To manage the downsides, I use headphones to create a controlled auditory environment, allowing better concentration.
Attention to detail: balancing strengths and weaknesses
My specialism of law is disputes, so attention to detail is crucial. I often notice subtle nuances — like inconsistencies in timelines or witness statements — that others might overlook, strengthening our cases or negotiations.
However, I sometimes miss minor errors, like typos. This inconsistency is common with ADHD; intensely focusing on complex tasks, but overlooking simpler details. I use text-to-speech software to listen to drafts, helping me catch errors I might miss when reading silently.
Managing focus and the need for movement
ADHD can make it challenging to stay focused on priorities, especially when I become deeply engrossed in less relevant topics. I don’t have the same perception of time as other people do, so setting clear timelines and breaking projects into manageable tasks help to maintain my focus and efficiency.
I also use timers so that I can objectively measure my productiveness against those set goals, and that removes any anxiety caused by not being aware of the time that has passed in a day. Having open communication with colleagues about my need for structure has also led to supportive collaboration.
Restlessness is another aspect; sitting still for long periods can cause near physical pain. Taking short walks relieves tension and resets my focus. During these breaks, I stay productive by checking emails on my phone, while satisfying the need to move. This helps me return to work refreshed, without unnecessary disruption.
Recognising strengths as well as challenges
ADHD influences my legal career in many ways. While it presents challenges, it also means I bring valuable strengths to my role, such as keen analytical insights and strong long-term memory.
Colleagues at Brodies have taken the time and effort to understand how ADHD affects my work – and that has been crucial in finding and implementing measures that bring out the best in me.
This article first appeared on Lexology. You can find the original version here.
