Mindfulness in Law – the good habits to get into now

My interest in mindfulness and ways to remain resilient when practising law began ten years ago. At the start of my legal career I, like many others, was faced with a lot of responsibility early on. As a result, I thought it valuable to learn techniques that would keep me calm, resilient and well in the office.  Learning these techniques, and making my inner wellbeing a priority, had an unexpectedly positive impact on my work as a lawyer.

Patients go to doctors because of health difficulties and, similarly, clients go to lawyers because of different types of difficulties - business issues, disputes, divorce. Without proper attention, the stress for the lawyer from dealing with a workload of cumulative client problems in a fast-paced, time-limited environment can be significant.

Through mindfulness practices, the performance of typical legal tasks such as researching, drafting and writing is enhanced. We become better listeners and more present with clients. The ability to calmly consider complex legal issues improves, and solutions for clients are often more creative. In court, we feel more calm and centred. There is also a naturally strengthened sense of professional responsibility. These benefits, and the positive impact mindfulness practice has on the brain, are all the subject of an increasing amount of academic research.

In 2013, I decided to join a growing movement of lawyers seeking to raise awareness about mindfulness and conscious practice within the legal profession. In 2017, after some research into the topic, and connecting with several like-minded lawyers, an online magazine called The Conscious Lawyer was published. It is dedicated to exploring wellbeing and mindfulness for the legal profession and to addressing how legal practice can evolve in a way that is conducive to wellbeing.

Working as a freelance, contract lawyer with Vario has enabled me to develop this interest and achieve a balance between producing the magazine and practising law. Having worked with Vario since 2013, the flexible nature of the roles that are available has been very welcome. The freelance option it offers for a career in law can allow for a true relationship of equals because, in the end, it is all about the work you do for the business, rather than the complexity of career paths and politics.

About one in four junior lawyers that responded to a 2017 Law Society survey reported suffering from severe stress at work.  Regular practices that prioritise wellbeing should therefore be a habit that law students and junior lawyers embrace early on in their careers. In fact, these practices should be taught widely during law school. Here are some simple and useful techniques to start trying out now:

• Morning: a mindful moment. Take five minutes to pause, sit still and breathe. Feel your feet on the ground. Remind yourself that your life takes place in the present moment so take a moment to ground yourself there.  This is a simple practice that can be done at breakfast, with your morning coffee or even on the tube.

• Lunch: rejuvenate. Taking a full break for lunch is important. This is a vital moment to recharge your batteries and give your mind a breather. These moments of calm can also help productivity – a challenge which may have seemed insurmountable in the morning may well be much more achievable after a break from your desk.

• Digital disconnect. Take regular opportunities to unplug from technology.  Focus feels good. Switch off everything else and focus on the task at hand for an hour at a time. Create deliberate timeslots for checking emails.

• Evening wind-down: A minute on each sense. Take five minutes at home to concentrate on each sense, become present and clear the mind from the work day just gone. Spend one minute each on looking, listening, smelling, feeling and tasting.

Training in mindfulness for the mind is like training the body at the gym. In our increasingly fast-paced, technologically-driven world, it will become an increasingly critical skill. For lawyers just embarking on their career, it is a skill that will not only enhance your feeling of wellness, but also will undoubtedly contribute towards becoming a successful lawyer.

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