Mindfulness for Lawyers
The legal profession demands a lot from us—long hours, high-stakes decisions, and the constant weight of responsibility for our clients. I’ve seen firsthand how this pressure can take its toll, leading to stress, burnout, and even a loss of the clarity and focus that make us effective advocates. That’s why I believe that practicing mindfulness isn’t just beneficial for lawyers—it’s essential.
Why Mindfulness Matters in Law
Mindfulness offers a way to navigate the challenges of our profession with greater awareness, composure, and resilience. It’s not about escaping the demands of the job but about meeting them with greater clarity and presence. A daily mindfulness practice can help us manage stress, stay grounded in difficult moments, and bring our full attention to the work at hand.
Sharing the Practice: CLEs and Workshops
In 2021, the Oregon State Bar Bulletin published my article, Mindfulness 101: Why and How to Get Started, which explored the importance of mindfulness for lawyers and provided practical ways to incorporate it into daily life. Since then, I have led continuing legal education (CLE) sessions on this topic, offering a program that qualifies for the Oregon State Bar’s CLE credit in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Cognitive Impairment. In 2024, I started the Oregon Chapter of the Mindfulness in Law Society, a nationwide nonprofit that seeks to enhance well-being in the legal profession by educating lawyers about the benefits of mindfulness.
Bringing Mindfulness to Your Firm or Legal Group
I welcome the opportunity to speak with legal groups and law firms about mindfulness and lawyer well-being. Whether through an interactive workshop or a CLE session, I enjoy helping fellow attorneys discover how even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a significant difference in how we practice law—and in how we live our lives.
Resources
Here are some excellent resources to learn more about mindfulness for lawyers:
- Mindfulness in Law Society — https://www.mindfulnessinlawsociety.org/
- Institute for Well-Being in Law — https://lawyerwellbeing.net/
- Oregon Attorney Assistance Program — https://www.oaap.org/
