What do the Chicago Bulls, Goldie Hawn, and prisoners at Lowell Correctional Institute have in common? Although this may initially sound like an impossible riddle, there is one commonality between these three entities, and that is the fact that they all practice mindfulness. Mindfulness, also known as mindfulness training, refers to the idea of intentionally focusing one’s full awareness on the present moment. The practice of mindfulness has been around for thousands of years, but only recently has it begun to receive a staggering amount of attention, support, and credibility in the United States. As mindfulness has undergone this widespread growth in popularity, it has simultaneously developed into a concept that is now integrated into a multitude of settings, including school curriculums, board meeting agendas, pro golf lessons, and now the legal profession.
Unless you happened to attend one of those few CLE programs or are a recent law school grad, then there is a good chance that your career as a practicing attorney has been void of any mention or consideration of mindfulness. The numerous statistics outlining high rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, divorce, and substance abuse within the legal community have clearly established that a crucial need is not being met within the profession. These statics suggest that the integration of mindfulness and the practice of law would likely bring about both positive and substantial effects for law school students, attorneys, and judges. Several law schools have already recognized the potential of incorporating mindfulness into the traditional legal realm; with great success, these schools have begun to offer various classes and training sessions that are focused on educating students on the importance of mindfulness. Experts estimate that anywhere from 12-20 law schools now offer mindfulness training. These schools include the University of Miami, UC Berkeley, Fordham University, and Vanderbilt University.
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