The Mindful lawyertm

Institute for Mindfulness Studies

 
 

Mindfulness and the Law


Over the last twenty years, 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, 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.


IMS 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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Video Segment from 2009 Florida Bar Convention

Mindfulness & Neuroscience: Lawyer Effectiveness and Stress Reduction -- From the Inside Out

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The Six-Minute Solution:

A Mindfulness Primer for Lawyers

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Mindfulness Workshops

LEARN MORE

These two-hour workshops for parents and a general audience, take place in Miami Beach on Sundays from 1 pm to 3 pm.  Registration is $75. and limited to ten participants.


Order The “Mindfulness Balance and the Lawyer’s Brain” 8 CD Set and 63 Page Course Book -- Approved for 10 CLE Credits.  Click here to learn More.



TESTIMONIALS

“Scott Rogers has the answer to finding harmony in the practice of law.  Introducing concepts of mindfulness in my legal career was my answer to feeling fulfilled, balanced and rewarded.  Scott has helped me integrate different techniques into my workday - a benefit that has been felt in my personal life as well.”

-- Lori Tashman, Esq.
     
Government Attorney


Scott Rogers' work is a gift to lawyers seeking professional growth. His Jurisight course challenges the conditioned reactions that stymie professional performance and satisfaction. It offers new, enlivening ways of thinking about the law by turning familiar legal terms into vehicles for fresh insight. In addition, the program goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. Drawing upon recent discoveries in neuroscience, Jurisight offers physical, "hands-on" techniques that cultivate mindful awareness.”

-- Professor William Blatt

     UM School of Law


Mr. Rogers' CLE workshop was one of the best I can recall taking, for four reasons. First, it was intimately connected to the work, thinking, and stressing that we do as lawyers. Second, it was based in sound scientific psychology. Third, it was immediately useful: I was able to

use the techniques he taught me to good effect during the workshop itself. And fourth, even six months after taking the workshop, I still both think about the techniques he taught me and when they are applicable (which is half the battle with mindfulness) and use them to

good effect.


-- Mitchell Silverman, J.D., M.A.
    
Principal, Infoneed Research


“Scott’s original methods of waking us up to the present moment are easy to understand and a delight to experience.  The simplicity and power of his techniques make them all the more appealing to busy lawyers.”

-- Melvin Rubin, Esq.
    
Family Law Attorney & Mediator


“As an attorney, I found myself always thinking, analyzing, and planning ahead.  This constant activity left me feeling exhausted and sapped me of any ‘joie de vivre.’ Since meeting Scott and incorporating his mindfulness techniques into my everyday life, I feel less anxious and, in short -- Happier.”  I am very grateful to Scott and his techniques.  I encourage anyone who feels overwhelmed and over-stimulated to meet with Scott.  It will change your life.”

-- Ana-Maria Deschapelle, Esq.
   
Trial Attorney


“Scott, I wanted to thank you for the mindfulness techniques that you have shared with me over the last few months.  They have been a really big help in my very hectic life . . .  Click here to read the full testimonial.

-- Laura E., Esq.  Trial Attorney

 

The Mindfulness Memo

January 2010

The Motion for an

Extension of Thyme


A popular court filing is the motion for an extension of time.  It probably comes as no surprise to you that the procrastination that many lawyers experience continues unabated and perhaps even intensifies . . . . Click here to continue reading.