From ADHD to LLB

Having recently been recognised among the Top 50 Influential Muslims in the UK, I have been dedicated to advocating for social mobility and diversity within the legal profession throughout my legal career, both in my capacity at Black Antelope Law and the Law Society. 

Recently, I embarked on a deeply personal journey that led to a profound revelation: a diagnosis of high-functioning attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This neurodevelopmental condition often goes unnoticed, especially in high-achieving individuals like me, as we might not exhibit typical ADHD symptoms.

ADHD, a condition impacting millions globally, presents challenges in concentration, impulse control, and hyperactivity. High-functioning ADHD, in particular, evades detection as it doesn't fit traditional ADHD stereotypes. It remains concealed, especially in accomplished professionals adept at compensating for their symptoms.

Acknowledging neurological differences like ADHD as a vital facet of human diversity is imperative within the legal sector. Embracing and supporting this diversity, termed neurodiversity, is crucial.

Estimates suggest that about 10% of the population comprises neurodivergent individuals. Conventional recruitment and employment practices often hinder opportunities for neurodivergent lawyers. Surprisingly, a 2018 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) poll revealed that only one in 10 HR professionals considers neurodiversity in their management practices.

The legal profession immensely benefits from neurodivergent minds. We often possess exceptional problem-solving abilities, communication skills, strategic thinking, troubleshooting prowess, process enhancement capabilities, and lateral, creative thinking—qualities indispensable to the legal domain.

Ensuring that talent doesn't go unnoticed and supporting neurodivergent solicitors necessitates inclusive talent management, accommodating not just neurotypical minds but all.

While ADHD falls under the classification of disabilities according to the Equality Act 2010, it's not the impairment itself that disables neurodivergent lawyers; rather, it's the barriers placed before us.

Within the legal realm, ADHD casts a significant shadow, where meticulous attention to detail, managing intricate cases, and meeting stringent deadlines constitute daily routines. Lawyers with ADHD may grapple with forgetfulness, disorganisation, and impulsivity, factors that can undermine productivity and overall performance.

Moreover, ADHD affects lawyers from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) lawyers. However, its impact varies significantly among individuals, and BAME individuals may encounter unique challenges on their journey.

This condition, one of the most misconceived and neglected among mental health issues, affects approximately 3-9% of school-age children and young people in the UK. Its symptoms typically manifest early, with diagnosis occurring between the ages of three and seven, characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2009). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. Clinical guidelines. A). ADHD often coexists with other conditions such as conduct disorder, substance misuse, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, and anxiety (Young, s., Fitzgerald, M., Postma, MJ., (2013) ADHD: Making the invisible visible. An Expert White Paper on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): policy solutions to address the societal impact, costs and long-term outcomes, in support of affected individuals).

Unfortunately, very few lawyers with ADHD receive proper diagnosis or treatment due to lack of public awareness, stigma, and inadequate frameworks for accurate detection and diagnosis. Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment exacerbate symptoms, impacting quality of life, relationships, and educational experiences, with the socio-emotional aspect proving most debilitating for many.

While biological aspects link ADHD to atypical brain development and genetics (Young, s., Fitzgerald, M., Postma, MJ., (2013) ADHD: Making the invisible visible. An Expert White Paper on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): policy solutions to address the societal impact, costs and long-term outcomes, in support of affected individuals), arguments persist that it's a socially constructed phenomenon influenced by environmental and cultural factors. These factors devalue and pathologise specific brain chemistry and associated behaviours.

Education and classroom expectations, as pointed out by Graham (Graham, L. (2008). From ABCs to ADHD: the role of schooling in the construction of behaviour disorder and production of disorderly objects. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 12(1), 7e33) create cultural demands influenced by mass schooling, disadvantaging capable learners who struggle with attention and impulse control. Such settings often lead to reprimands, low self-esteem, and defiance among children.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, in its recommendations, underscores the role of educational institutions in exacerbating ADHD symptoms and calls for research to reduce its cost on healthcare services. However, progress in this regard remains stagnant.

Moreover, the wide-ranging impact of ADHD extends beyond education, affecting children, young people, and their families. It influences educational outcomes and creates a label that often excuses inappropriate behaviour, leading to low expectations, diminished self-esteem, and missed educational opportunities.

Examining ADHD prevalence among British BAME communities reveals rising prescriptions of psycho-stimulant drugs, indicating an increase in ADHD diagnoses. However, data on ADHD prevalence rates by ethnicity remains unavailable. Studies suggest varying prevalence rates among different ethnic groups, with disparities in conduct disorder and hyperactivity rates across different racial backgrounds.

The complexities of ADHD within BAME communities reveal disparities in diagnosis, influenced by cultural stigma, limited awareness, and healthcare access differences. Cultural beliefs and norms impact the perception and management of ADHD symptoms, affecting help-seeking behaviours.

Moreover, BAME lawyers with ADHD face additional layers of stigma and discrimination, leading to challenges in accessing healthcare and mental health resources. These hurdles, compounded by socioeconomic disparities, affect their academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Understanding and addressing ADHD within the legal profession, particularly among BAME lawyers, require comprehensive strategies. Seeking accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, self-advocacy, effective time management, workplace accommodations, community support, and embracing strengths are vital steps toward managing ADHD and unlocking professional potential.

Navigating the complexities of ADHD demands a concerted effort to bridge gaps in understanding, support, and access to resources. Recognising the multifaceted nature of this condition and the diverse experiences within BAME communities is pivotal for promoting an inclusive and equitable environment within the legal sector.

Shaheen Mamun is a Law Society social mobility ambassador, a member of the equality, diversity and inclusion committee and director of Black Antelope Law