Mindful Lawyering introduces students to the practice of mindfulness in the legal profession. Mindfulness, being present in the moment with an attitude of non-judgment, heightens focus and equanimity—it sets the stage for meaningful communication and increased creativity. The legal profession has recognized mindfulness as tool that can enhance the well-being of lawyers and improve the quality of lawyering.

This course will teach students how to cultivate mindfulness to become creative problem-solvers and effective, empathetic advocates. Students will also learn how to practice mindfulness to find joy and decrease stress in the practice of law. This course will offer techniques for incorporating mindfulness principles when interviewing and counseling clients, when appearing in court, and when researching, analyzing, and writing about legal questions. It will also introduce strategies for employing mindfulness to improve cross-cultural communication and to minimize the danger of implicit bias. Simulations and interactive exercises will provide students with opportunities to navigate challenging client and courtroom scenarios, and group projects will allow students to use mindfulness in collaborative problem-solving. The course will also include guest speakers who share their journeys as mindful lawyers and judges.

Recommended for the Following Professional Pathways: Corporate Transactions and Governance; Financial Services and Compliance; Health Care Management and Compliance; International Business; Labor and Employment (Corporate Perspective); Real Estate and Land Use; Family Law, Government/Public Sector; Labor and Employment; IP/Copyright and Trademark; Media, Entertainment, Sports, Fashion; Tech/Privacy; General Practice – Transactional

2 Credits