The Mindful Lawyer

Practicing Law With Presence

Mindfulness and the Law

Over the past two decades, there has been increasing awareness in the United States to mindfulness—paying attention to life in the present moment.  Over this same period, research in the the field of neuroscience has uncovered and continues to explore how “mindful awareness” and the way we choose to attend to our experience, transforms not just behavior, but the very structure and function of the brain.  The Institute for Mindfulness Studies (IMS) brings the contemplative practice of mindfulness to practitioners of law by offering mindfulness insights and instruction in techniques specifically designed for attorneys.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life and practice for attorneys and law students and to contribute to the re-establishment of society’s recognition of the challenging and admirable role played by attorneys.  You can read our Mission Statement by clicking here.

The Jurisight® program, developed by IMS, brings together groundbreaking work in the field of neuroscience and the contemplative practice of mindfulness. Jurisight was developed by Scott Rogers, M.S., J.D., director of the Institute, founder and director of the Mindfulness in Law Program of the University of Miami School of Law, attorney, and longtime practitioner of mindfulness, after working closely with attorneys interested in bringing greater balance into their lives and enhancing their well-being and performance.  The Jurisight programs incorporate imagery and concepts integral to the law, thereby facilitating a lawyer’s understanding of, retention, and application of these techniques.  The effectiveness of Jurisight is found in its seamless application to an attorney’s busy and sometimes stressful life.

When attorneys incorporate mindfulness practices, they are better equipped to deal with the unexpected, however it presents itself.  In addition, they develop and enhance their capacity to be more genuine and present for what arises in their interactions with their clients, their colleagues, with witnesses, and their adversaries.  They are also able to focus with greater clarity on assignments and work.

The result is a momentous shift in well-being and efficacy in one’s professional and private life. The practitioner responds to stressful and uncomfortable events with greater ease, from a newfound place of balance. The mind is clearer and the moment fresher. Performance is optimized.  Carryover changes realized in family and personal relationships can be extraordinary.  Click here to read what lawyers are saying about the various Jurisight programs.

Each moment offers us all the opportunity to see life anew, to fulfill the promise of our true natures, and to embrace one another from a place of balance and openness.  Contact us to learn more about how we might work together to help bring greater clarity and purpose to your practice and life.  Click here to read about the different programs we offer.

The Institute for Mindfulness Studies works with law schools bringing contemplative practices and Jurisight to law students.  Click here to learn more about our work with law students.

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Click here to read this Month’s Mindful Lawyer Spotlight with  Douglas J. Chermak.