Photo by Surface via Unsplash

ADHD is more common than you might think. An American Bar Association study found that 12.5% of lawyers surveyed reported having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is significantly higher than the rate of ADHD in the general population. Chances are you work with or know someone who has it.

Individuals with ADHD can exhibit strengths that are especially beneficial for lawyers, such as an ability to think outside the box and a willingness to embrace challenges. However, ADHD can make it difficult to perform other skills that are important to success as a lawyer, including planning, focusing, and multitasking.

To increase awareness about ADHD and support our colleagues with this condition, Goodwin launched a firmwide initiative called Thriving with ADHD, which we shared more about at the 2025 IWIL Annual Conference in January. Our co-working sessions are one of the most popular parts of the initiative.

Co-working is when two or more people quietly come together (virtually or in person) to focus on their independent projects while sharing a common space. This replicates the experience of working by yourself in a library or coffee shop where you are surrounded by others who are focused on their own projects. For many individuals, the ambient noise of others working independently can actually help their concentration.

Goodwin participants have shared that co-working has been an incredibly valuable tool. One senior associate had this to say about how they have benefited from co-working:

“Participating in the regular virtual co-working space provided by Goodwin has been transformative for me as a lawyer with ADHD. This structured routine and sense of accountability have significantly enhanced my law practice, allowing me to think creatively and deeply about complicated matters for my clients. Knowing that I am working alongside my colleagues, even in a virtual setting, reduces feelings of isolation and improves my sense of community. This initiative has not only improved my work experience but also made me feel more supported and connected within the firm.”

What Co-Working Looks Like at Goodwin

Co-working was first introduced to us by Dixon Life Coaching (DLC), which specializes in ADHD, when it incorporated hour-long daily co-working sessions into the small group coaching engagements we run for associates, partners, and professional staff. According to DLC, co-working offers the four key factors that help make people with ADHD successful: connection, accountability, focus, and structure.

The typical format for co-working is a virtual gathering at a predetermined time. Co-workers typically participate on camera and unmuted. At the start of the session, the facilitator asks each individual to briefly share (verbally or in the chat) what they plan to work on for the session. After everyone has shared, the facilitator sets a timer (usually 30 to 60 minutes) and participants get to work independently (and quietly). At the end of the session, the group comes back together and the facilitator may ask participants to share briefly any progress they made during the session.

A dedicated co-working Microsoft Teams channel is an unfacilitated variation that has been effective at Goodwin. Members can message the group to invite others to join a co-working session whenever they wish. Colleagues may pop in for a half hour, stay for an extended period, or jump in and out of these sessions. Participants have appreciated the flexibility this approach offers.

 

Co-Working Is Low-Hanging Fruit

We view co-working as a free and easy way to support our colleagues with ADHD. In fact, it can also benefit the larger community, so we continue to think of ways to offer co-working to a wider audience in different contexts. For example, we can bring lawyers together to complete important but not particularly engaging tasks, such as time entry, proofreading, or Continuing Legal Education documentation.

If you’re interested in learning more about co-working, or if you have had success incorporating co-working into your organizations, we’d love to hear from you!

Be Part of the Well-Being Movement

Want to catch up on this session and more from the 2025 Annual Conference? Join IWIL today as a member for full access to recorded sessions, workshop materials, well-being resources, networking opportunities, and more.

About the Authors

Written by Elaine Ventola, Managing Director of Career Coaching at Goodwin Procter, in collaboration with Christina Azurin, Manager, Well-being, and Marieljane Bastien, Manager, Engagement & Volunteerism. Elaine leads the firm’s Coaching@Goodwin program, which provides 1:1 and group coaching to Goodwin’s lawyers at all levels of seniority and professional staff.