October is ADHD Awareness Month, and lawyers report roughly double the rate of the general adult population. In the landmark 2016 study on lawyer well-being from the ABA and partners, 12.5% of lawyers reported having ADHD compared to 4-8% of adults generally.

Recent research estimates under 20% of adults with ADHD receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Those dealing with ADHD have a range of experiences, but many encounter difficulty concentrating at times, become overly focused on specific things at other times, struggle to complete work on time, have organizational issues, find it difficult to follow directions to their completion, and exhibit impulsivity. These (and other) symptoms have a real effect on professional functioning, personal relationships, and emotional well-being. And while most people talk about ADHD as a hurdle to overcome, there are also many people who look to the advantages of ADHD as tools for success.

However you might experience struggle with focus, join us for ways to harness your attention and address obstacles in productivity.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Dr. Shawn Healy joined LCL in March of 2014 following his work in a private group practice in Cambridge. Prior to private practice, Shawn worked at May Institute, Inc. for 10 years, as the Clinical Director and finally the Director of Clinical Services and Operations for the Behavioral Health Division of May Institute. Shawn is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a psychologist. Shawn coauthored a 2017 ABA book, The Full Weight of the Law: How Legal Professionals Can Recognize and Rebound from Depression, with fellow LCL MA Staff Clinician Jeff Fortgang. Shawn serves on the Massachusetts SJC Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism, as well as on the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Lawyer Well-Being Committee (2020-2022).

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