Applying Mindfulness Meditation in Law Practice

With Patton Hyman, Jason Newman and Robert Chender

June 26, 2009

Click here to view a printable flyer for this program.

Practicing law in times of economic uncertainty and dislocation presents special challenges to the attorney. Clients are experiencing a combination of financial and emotional distress, and the financial stability of lawyers and law firms themselves may be in question. In the midst of these pressures, the ability of the legal practitioner to function effectively requires stability, resiliency, and clarity of mind. In these times the ability to respond intelligently to emotional stresses of clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel is not only essential to an effective practice but also key in client development.

Mindfulness meditation and related contemplative disciplines are ways of training the mind's natural alertness, clarity, and presence and are being used as a cutting-edge tool by lawyers, judges, law students and faculty for enhancing competencies, revitalizing careers, and managing stress. These practices are tools helping lawyers cultivate mental and emotional stability and to create open mental space for creative solutions. They include specific techniques for rousing energy and clarity in workplace settings.

This hands-on practical seminar will include mindfulness instruction and practice, interactive contemplations, professionalism sessions, lectures, and discussion. The program runs from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

For Registration, contact the Vermont Bar Association at (802) 223-2020.

Registration Fees (include program materials, lunch, and reception):

Early Registration Discount (by 6/19):
-VBA or NH Mbr/Atty - $195
-Non-VBA Mbr/Atty - $325
-Assoc. VBA Mbr - $145
-All Others - $155

Registrations Received after 6/19:
-VBA Mbr/Atty - $205
-Non-VBA Mbr/Atty - $335
-Assoc. VBA Mbr - $155
-All Others - $165

No refunds after June 19.

About Patton Hyman, Jason Newman and Robert Chender

Patton Hyman is a practicing attorney in Barnet, VT, member of the Vermont and Georgia bars, and Development Director of Tail of the Tiger, an educational nonprofit corporation that presents seminars joining mindfulness meditation with the professions, business, and the arts.

John C. (Jason) Newman chairs the tax, estate planning and probate department of Kenlan, Schwiebert Facey & Goss, P.C. in Rutland, Vermont. He teaches Shambhala Training, a non-sectarian program applying meditation to daily life situations. A frequent contributor to the Vermont Bar Journal, he recently authored a chapter for a book on international business immigration.

Robert Chender is the director of the Contemplative Lawyers' Group of the New York City Bar Association, and leads meditation seminars and retreats both in the U.S. and abroad. He is counsel at Seward & Kissel in New York City in their investment management and corporate finance groups.