As a lawyer with ADHD who has been practicing since 1983, my favorite types of practice are: criminal defense, appellate practice and teaching. I love to go to court. Criminal defense is urgent, novel, creative, and an adrenaline rush. The same applies to research, writing, and arguing novel legal concepts in the courts of appeal. Teaching law has all these attributes as well, which is why I have been a happy professor for most of my working life. However, just the thought of mergers and acquisitions or tax law makes my head spin and my eyes glaze over. I thought I was just lazy or not properly motivated. I never knew I had ADHD until last year. Until then, I was constantly frustrated by my inability to concentrate on "important" areas of the law that bored me to tears, even though I could intellectually understand why one should study them in depth (and maybe make a lot more money). I had worked in several large law firms while a law student, and just the thought of making a career at a big firm was my worst nightmare.
This was so helpful. I have just started Law School as a mature student who also had ADHD. I have been asking myself a lot lately if I can do Law School because of the ADHD. I am an aspiring Lawer. Thank you for sharing.
Body doubling and leaning into friendship with my classmates were the secret sauce that got me through my 4 year night school program. That and a strong talent for pattern recognition. It's a grind, but yes, you can do it. Don't be afraid to look into time accommodations if that's a challenge for you. That's the one thing I wish I'd done. Good luck!! 🙌
So glad I found this channel. I want to quit my career as a lawyer and go back to school (due to burnout). What do you suggest I study? Broker or business marketing?
What did you learn about finding the best job for yourself?
As a lawyer with ADHD who has been practicing since 1983, my favorite types of practice are: criminal defense, appellate practice and teaching. I love to go to court. Criminal defense is urgent, novel, creative, and an adrenaline rush. The same applies to research, writing, and arguing novel legal concepts in the courts of appeal. Teaching law has all these attributes as well, which is why I have been a happy professor for most of my working life. However, just the thought of mergers and acquisitions or tax law makes my head spin and my eyes glaze over. I thought I was just lazy or not properly motivated. I never knew I had ADHD until last year. Until then, I was constantly frustrated by my inability to concentrate on "important" areas of the law that bored me to tears, even though I could intellectually understand why one should study them in depth (and maybe make a lot more money). I had worked in several large law firms while a law student, and just the thought of making a career at a big firm was my worst nightmare.
This was so helpful. I have just started Law School as a mature student who also had ADHD. I have been asking myself a lot lately if I can do Law School because of the ADHD. I am an aspiring Lawer. Thank you for sharing.
Body doubling and leaning into friendship with my classmates were the secret sauce that got me through my 4 year night school program.
That and a strong talent for pattern recognition.
It's a grind, but yes, you can do it.
Don't be afraid to look into time accommodations if that's a challenge for you. That's the one thing I wish I'd done.
Good luck!! 🙌
Yes you can do it. I did!
"it depends" -- too funny -- but so true. I like how you break things down for those of us with ADHD.
So glad I found this channel. I want to quit my career as a lawyer and go back to school (due to burnout). What do you suggest I study? Broker or business marketing?
Why delete comments?