READINGS
—New Study on Lawyer Well-Being Reveals Serious Concerns for Legal Profession
—Rogers, The Mindful Law Student, Chapter 8 on Self-Care (read up to and stop before the practice instruction.
—Practice DNI (Do Not Interrupt) at least one day this week as described in the article on Mindful Listening in your Field Guide and as discussed in class.
—Select and practice one Self-Care Practice from Chapter 8, or that you have found beneficial or been interested in trying..
—Keep an eye on your Snow Globe (and when you notice it shaking, drop in a Settling technique of your choice.
There is no written assignment for this week.
Mindful Ethics:
Professional Responsibility for
Lawyers in the Digital Age
Class Seven
October 1, 2024
Who’s In Charge When it Comes to Lawyer Well-being
The ABA and state bar associations have become increasingly attentive to the issue of lawyer well-being. Matters of mental health and wellness can impact the most successful, competent, and highly regarded of attorneys.
In class we will reflect on Pedro's journey thus far leading up to last week's "Who's In Charge" vignette with an eyed the impact of stress and mental health on legal decision making, client relations and well-being. We'll also consider the relationship between ethical conduct and lawyer well-being?
Review last week's vignette between Pedro and his client, Carlos Ramirez, and consider the ways that Pedro's snow globe might have been impacting his ability to effectively listen and represent his client. Consider also the potential long-term repercussions Pedro might experience with regards to his overall wellbeing and satisfaction with the practice law if he is not skilled in attending to his Snow Globe with tools to notice and help it settle when it is shaking.
It can be helpful to be attentive to these concerns, and to the role of self-care, as they may be relevant to ourselves, our colleagues, and other members of the bar and bench.