CLASS SYLLABUS: LAW 513 AW
Mindfulness In Law
Cultivating Tools for Effective Practice
Spring Semester 2026
9:10 AM – 12:10 PM, Rm. A216B
Video Playlist
Zoom: https://miami.zoom.us/j/3315931622
Scott L. Rogers – Office: B353 (305) 284-5527
Office Hours: By appointment
Email: srogers@law.miami.edu
Faculty Assistant
Kim Cruz
Email: kimcruz@law.miami.edu
Phone: 305-284-4438, Location: G477
E-mail assignments to both Professor Rogers and to Kim Cruz
Class Website
Required Texts:
—Scott Rogers, The Mindful Law Student (Elgar, 2022).
—Supplemental Reading Packet and Mindfulness Practice Manual (available in class)
—Video Playlist (to keep current on videos where Professor Rogers shares information on the class)
Suggested Texts (on Reserve in Library)
—Jon Kabat Zinn, Mindfulness for Beginners (Sounds True, 2012).
—Amishi Jha, Peak Mind (2021)
—Rhonda Magee, The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming our Communities Through Mindfulness (2021)
—Dan Harris, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story (2014).
Weekly Readings:
--Law review articles, book chapters, video segments, and reading excerpts will be assigned in advance of each class. Most readings outside the required texts will be contained in the Reading Packet; others will be available electronically or distributed in class.
App
—SoBe Mindful App. You can access this free and non-commercial app from the Apple App Store. If you do not have an iOS device or experience any difficulty accessing the app, all guided practice materials can also be found on the class website.
After you download the App, you will be prompted to request an access code. You may use that feature or send me a direct e-mail requesting the access code. (Even if you get the code from another student, please send the e-mail request).
If you have any difficulties accessing the App, please contact Professor Rogers.
Course Description
The role of mindfulness in law has become relevant not just to lawyers and judges personally, but to them as a matter of professional practice. Legal organizations across the country and world are working to bring together lawyers, judges, law professors and law students to explore mindfulness and its relationship to practice forms, including trial practice, mediation, negotiation, oral advocacy, and collaborative lawyering, as well as fundamental tools for effective practice and wellbeing that include attention skills, listening skills, reflective capacity, empathy, creativity, emotional regulation, and ultimately, decision-making.
This course explores the role of mindfulness practices as a collection of tools of awareness that can enrich one’s skill set in relationship to the stimulating and challenging aspects of legal practice. Over the course of the semester, students will acquire a foundation level understanding of mindfulness and facility with several mindfulness practices and settling techniques to help develop and hone the inner tools to integrate mindfulness into their professional and personal lives. Periodically a member of the judiciary, our faculty or the legal community will join in the conversation, offering unique perspectives on the integration of mindfulness into their work.
Woven into this conversation is the introduction and application of mindfulness insights and exercises as they relate to specific areas of practice. Neuroscience research findings offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of decision-making and behavior.
The role of mindfulness in law has become relevant not just to lawyers and judges personally, but to them as a matter of professional practice. Legal organizations across the country and world are working to bring together lawyers, judges, law professors and law students to explore mindfulness and its relationship to practice forms, including trial practice, mediation, negotiation, oral advocacy, and collaborative lawyering, as well as fundamental tools for effective practice and wellbeing that include attention skills, listening skills, reflective capacity, empathy, creativity, emotional regulation, and ultimately, decision-making.
This course explores the role of mindfulness practices as a collection of tools of awareness that can enrich one’s skill set in relationship to the stimulating and challenging aspects of legal practice. Over the course of the semester, students will acquire a foundation level understanding of mindfulness and facility with several mindfulness practices and settling techniques to help develop and hone the inner tools to integrate mindfulness into their professional and personal lives. Periodically a member of the judiciary, our faculty or the legal community will join in the conversation, offering unique perspectives on the integration of mindfulness into their work.
Woven into this conversation is the introduction and application of mindfulness insights and exercises as they relate to specific areas of practice. Neuroscience research findings offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of decision-making and behavior.
CLASS POLICIES
Your Presence in Class:
It is important that you attend class in order to cultivate a practical and experiential understanding of the interrelationship between the study and practice of law and mindfulness. In addition, both the ABA and Miami Law require regular class attendance, preparation, and participation.
Accordingly, students are permitted one absence without penalty. Any additional absences must be communicated to Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz as soon as reasonably possible. If you miss three classes, Kim Cruz will arrange a meeting with Professor Rogers.
Poor class attendance (including missing all or part of two classes), excessive tardiness, or inadequate preparation or participation may result in a lowered or failing grade, withdrawal from the course, or referral to the Dean of Students. Absences excused under school policy may be made up, upon request, and will require viewing or listening to recorded materials and submitting timely written responses to issues addressed in class.
Attention to Detail:
Mindfulness involves paying attention. While you certainly know how to pay attention, we all too often fall into autopilot, at which times we are susceptible to overlooking straightforward and easily implemented instructions. In addition to what you learn in class through the readings, participation, and discussion, you can also develop your attentional skills by being especially attentive to this syllabus, the class website, assignment deadlines, the times and dates of Mindful Spaces, and special events.
Grading:
The primary areas upon which grading is based, and their respective weightings are: class participation (25%), assignments, interim assessments and presentations (35%), and final paper (40%).
Readings:
Most weeks will call for reading one or two chapters from the primary texts. Supplemental readings will include articles, chapters and/or law review articles that pertain to the subject matter being discussed.
Mindfulness Practice:
Class assignments include daily mindfulness and related contemplative practices. This includes a daily SoBe Mindful movement practice along with a mindful sitting, standing, or walking practice. Please be prepared to allocate a portion of each day for practice, both formal (e.g., 6-24 minutes) and recording observations. Such engagement will enrich the learning experience, intellectually and experientially.
Class Participation:
You will have an opportunity throughout the semester to participate in class discussions and experiential exercises, the Lowe Art Museum visit, commenting on legal and scientific writings, classroom demonstrations, and mindfulness practices.
Assignments:
Unless otherwise noted on the assignment page, all assignments are due by Wednesday at 5:00 PM. When emailing assignments, please direct your email to both Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz. You may also direct message either of them individually, as needed. Be sure to include your full name on the face of the assignment so, when printed, it is clear it is your submission.
It is important that you begin the subject line of every email with “MIL_S2026_”, followed by (1) the subject you are writing about, and (2) your name. For weekly assignments, use the following format:
MIL_S2026_Week X Assignment_[Your Name]
Please place this exact same information in the document’s filename. This ensures that submissions are easily tracked and retrievable.
Please submit assignments in .docx (or similar editable) format, rather than PDF, so that Professor Rogers can provide comments directly on the document.
Assignments include: (1) Home Practice and Practice Forms, (2) Short Papers, (3) and Interim Assessments, and (4) Creative Contributions, including mindfulness oriented artwork, poetry, photos, audio and video segments (which will be explained in class).
While it is not necessary that you end up liking mindfulness practices or embracing them as a regular part of your life after the end of the semester, it is important that you come to know what a mindfulness practice entails, the challenges that can present, and the benefits it may offer, through forming the intention to practice and following through on that intention over the course of the semester. You are expected to participate in one or more 12-minute Mindful Spaces on a weekly basis, and, should your schedule conflict with some or all, engage in alternative options that will be made available. It is your responsibility to bring that to Professor Rogers' attention via e-mail.
As you will learn, the mindfulness practice instructions are simple but the practice itself can be challenging at times, and much can be learned from the challenges that present themselves.
Presentations:
The presentation portion of the class consists of short presentations that you will make by yourself or in small groups that pertain to an area being investigated, guiding a practice, and/or your paper topic.
Final Paper:
Topics:
Early in the semester, you will rank your preferences for paper topics from a selection provided to you. You may also proffer a suggested topic of particular interest to you. Every effort will be made to give you your first or second choice. The following week, you will receive your topic and can begin working on your outline.
Outline:
Once you know your topic, you may begin developing an outline--attending to the organization of your paper and its subject matter. I will provide you with feedback and may schedule a meeting with you to review your outline. In any event, I am happy to meet with you to do so upon request.
Draft of Introduction
Shortly after the mid-semester break, you will turn in a draft of the introductory portion of your paper. This will help us assess (1) the degree to which you are gaining a sufficient understand of mindfulness, (2) whether you have a clear vision for your paper, and (3) whether it would be helpful to discuss aspects of your writing. I am always interested in meeting with you to explore the craft of writing.
Form:
Your final paper should be approximately 15 pages in length. The text of the paper, including the title, heading, and subheadings, must be double-spaced, submitted on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper, and typed in Times New Roman 12-point font. Appropriate use of footnotes is important as you weave together the body of law you are interested in exploring with the practice of mindfulness. Footnotes are to be in Times New Roman 12-point font. Paginate each page at the bottom-center of the page.
AI Use:
Any use of AI tools in the preparation of draft outlines, final paper drafts, or the final paper must be disclosed in a footnote describing the general nature of that use. See the policy below titled “Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence” for a more detailed explanation of permissible AI use.
Reading Assignments:
Weekly readings can be found on the website link to each class or will be provided to you. Readings for the first class can be found on the First Assignment Page.
Class Recordings:
Students are expressly prohibited from recording any part of this course. Meetings of this course might be recorded by the University. Any recordings will be available to students registered for this class as they are intended to supplement the classroom experience. Students are expected to follow appropriate University policies and maintain the security of passwords used to access recorded lectures. Recordings may not be reproduced, shared with those not enrolled in the class, or uploaded to other online environments. If the instructor or a University of Miami office plans any other uses for the recordings beyond this class, students identifiable in the recordings will be notified to request consent prior to such use.
Laptop Computers, Smart Phones & Tape Recording:
No-Laptop-in-Class policy. Please refrain from use of computers, recording devices, cell phones, and texting during class, except by permission. Should there ever be a portion of class which you would not wish to be accessible online due to your being identified, please let me know after class and send me an e-mail. In the event you miss a class and it was recorded, you may request to access the recording (though doing so will not excuse your absence).
Accessibility:
The University of Miami School of Law is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of our diverse student body. If you have a disability (including physical or mental health challenges) and need academic accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services via email at access@law.miami.edu. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive; students are encouraged to contact the office and inquire about any disability-related needs within the first weeks of the semester.
Title IX:
The University of Miami seeks to maintain a safe learning, living, and working environment free from discrimination based upon gender or sex. This includes from all types of sexual misconduct including but not limited to: Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault (including Sexual Battery), Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment, and Stalking. This also includes protection from discrimination for pregnant students. For additional information about the University’s policies with respect to Title IX, including resources and reporting options, please visit www.miami.edu/titleix or contact the University’s Title IX Office at titleixcoordinator@miami.edu.
Student Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of mindfulness and mindfulness practices, including how cultivating mindful awareness relates to the study and practice of law.
2. Differentiate mindfulness from related capacities, such as attention, awareness, relaxation, and self-care, while recognizing areas of overlap with approaches aimed primarily at stress reduction.
3. Examine scientific research on the efficacy of mindfulness practices in areas relevant to a life in the law.
4. Apply emotional regulation, listening skills, and self-awareness to support effective communication and decision-making.
5. Reflect critically on personal and professional experiences by integrating course practices and readings within a professional context.
Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence:
All work submitted is expected to be the student's own work. In this course, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in limited ways that support learning, consistent with the University of Miami School of Law’s standards of academic integrity. AI may not be used in a way that would constitute plagiarism if the AI output were that of a human author.
Students may use AI to suggest corrections to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. After first engaging independently with assigned material, including readings, videos, audio recordings, and mindfulness practices, students may also use AI to explore concepts or test and reinforce their understanding. AI should function as a learning aid, not as a substitute for personal analysis, reflection, or the independent development of ideas.
AI may not be used to generate initial drafts, outlines, or other preparatory work for assigned writing. Moreover, submitting AI-generated text as one’s own, or incorporating analysis, structure, or argumentation generated by AI rather than through the student’s own independent analysis and reasoning, undermines the educational purpose of this course and may constitute academic misconduct subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Miami Law’s Honor Code. Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all submitted work.
Learning in this course is emphasized through direct engagement with mindfulness practices, which foster a deeper understanding of written materials and concepts and a more meaningful engagement in class discussions. Overreliance on AI during this developmental process may produce writing that appears polished but lacks depth, coherence, and genuine analytical rigor, limiting the reflection and insight that are central to the course experience.
Any use of AI tools in the preparation of draft outlines, final paper drafts, or the final paper must be disclosed in a footnote describing the general nature of that use. Students must also be prepared to describe how AI was used and provide a record of relevant prompts and outputs upon request.
This policy may evolve during the semester in response to emerging technologies, institutional guidance, and class discussions. Any material changes will be communicated clearly and applied prospectively. Because the final paper is a central component of the course’s reflective and analytical work, it may be subject to additional or more restrictive AI guidelines. Students with questions about the permissible use of AI tools are encouraged to consult with me in advance of assignment deadlines.
Class Schedule:
The class schedule can be found by clicking on the links to each class assignment.
Your Presence in Class:
It is important that you attend class in order to cultivate a practical and experiential understanding of the interrelationship between the study and practice of law and mindfulness. In addition, both the ABA and Miami Law require regular class attendance, preparation, and participation.
Accordingly, students are permitted one absence without penalty. Any additional absences must be communicated to Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz as soon as reasonably possible. If you miss three classes, Kim Cruz will arrange a meeting with Professor Rogers.
Poor class attendance (including missing all or part of two classes), excessive tardiness, or inadequate preparation or participation may result in a lowered or failing grade, withdrawal from the course, or referral to the Dean of Students. Absences excused under school policy may be made up, upon request, and will require viewing or listening to recorded materials and submitting timely written responses to issues addressed in class.
Attention to Detail:
Mindfulness involves paying attention. While you certainly know how to pay attention, we all too often fall into autopilot, at which times we are susceptible to overlooking straightforward and easily implemented instructions. In addition to what you learn in class through the readings, participation, and discussion, you can also develop your attentional skills by being especially attentive to this syllabus, the class website, assignment deadlines, the times and dates of Mindful Spaces, and special events.
Grading:
The primary areas upon which grading is based, and their respective weightings are: class participation (25%), assignments, interim assessments and presentations (35%), and final paper (40%).
Readings:
Most weeks will call for reading one or two chapters from the primary texts. Supplemental readings will include articles, chapters and/or law review articles that pertain to the subject matter being discussed.
Mindfulness Practice:
Class assignments include daily mindfulness and related contemplative practices. This includes a daily SoBe Mindful movement practice along with a mindful sitting, standing, or walking practice. Please be prepared to allocate a portion of each day for practice, both formal (e.g., 6-24 minutes) and recording observations. Such engagement will enrich the learning experience, intellectually and experientially.
Class Participation:
You will have an opportunity throughout the semester to participate in class discussions and experiential exercises, the Lowe Art Museum visit, commenting on legal and scientific writings, classroom demonstrations, and mindfulness practices.
Assignments:
Unless otherwise noted on the assignment page, all assignments are due by Wednesday at 5:00 PM. When emailing assignments, please direct your email to both Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz. You may also direct message either of them individually, as needed. Be sure to include your full name on the face of the assignment so, when printed, it is clear it is your submission.
It is important that you begin the subject line of every email with “MIL_S2026_”, followed by (1) the subject you are writing about, and (2) your name. For weekly assignments, use the following format:
MIL_S2026_Week X Assignment_[Your Name]
Please place this exact same information in the document’s filename. This ensures that submissions are easily tracked and retrievable.
Please submit assignments in .docx (or similar editable) format, rather than PDF, so that Professor Rogers can provide comments directly on the document.
Assignments include: (1) Home Practice and Practice Forms, (2) Short Papers, (3) and Interim Assessments, and (4) Creative Contributions, including mindfulness oriented artwork, poetry, photos, audio and video segments (which will be explained in class).
While it is not necessary that you end up liking mindfulness practices or embracing them as a regular part of your life after the end of the semester, it is important that you come to know what a mindfulness practice entails, the challenges that can present, and the benefits it may offer, through forming the intention to practice and following through on that intention over the course of the semester. You are expected to participate in one or more 12-minute Mindful Spaces on a weekly basis, and, should your schedule conflict with some or all, engage in alternative options that will be made available. It is your responsibility to bring that to Professor Rogers' attention via e-mail.
As you will learn, the mindfulness practice instructions are simple but the practice itself can be challenging at times, and much can be learned from the challenges that present themselves.
Presentations:
The presentation portion of the class consists of short presentations that you will make by yourself or in small groups that pertain to an area being investigated, guiding a practice, and/or your paper topic.
Final Paper:
Topics:
Early in the semester, you will rank your preferences for paper topics from a selection provided to you. You may also proffer a suggested topic of particular interest to you. Every effort will be made to give you your first or second choice. The following week, you will receive your topic and can begin working on your outline.
Outline:
Once you know your topic, you may begin developing an outline--attending to the organization of your paper and its subject matter. I will provide you with feedback and may schedule a meeting with you to review your outline. In any event, I am happy to meet with you to do so upon request.
Draft of Introduction
Shortly after the mid-semester break, you will turn in a draft of the introductory portion of your paper. This will help us assess (1) the degree to which you are gaining a sufficient understand of mindfulness, (2) whether you have a clear vision for your paper, and (3) whether it would be helpful to discuss aspects of your writing. I am always interested in meeting with you to explore the craft of writing.
Form:
Your final paper should be approximately 15 pages in length. The text of the paper, including the title, heading, and subheadings, must be double-spaced, submitted on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper, and typed in Times New Roman 12-point font. Appropriate use of footnotes is important as you weave together the body of law you are interested in exploring with the practice of mindfulness. Footnotes are to be in Times New Roman 12-point font. Paginate each page at the bottom-center of the page.
AI Use:
Any use of AI tools in the preparation of draft outlines, final paper drafts, or the final paper must be disclosed in a footnote describing the general nature of that use. See the policy below titled “Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence” for a more detailed explanation of permissible AI use.
Reading Assignments:
Weekly readings can be found on the website link to each class or will be provided to you. Readings for the first class can be found on the First Assignment Page.
Class Recordings:
Students are expressly prohibited from recording any part of this course. Meetings of this course might be recorded by the University. Any recordings will be available to students registered for this class as they are intended to supplement the classroom experience. Students are expected to follow appropriate University policies and maintain the security of passwords used to access recorded lectures. Recordings may not be reproduced, shared with those not enrolled in the class, or uploaded to other online environments. If the instructor or a University of Miami office plans any other uses for the recordings beyond this class, students identifiable in the recordings will be notified to request consent prior to such use.
Laptop Computers, Smart Phones & Tape Recording:
No-Laptop-in-Class policy. Please refrain from use of computers, recording devices, cell phones, and texting during class, except by permission. Should there ever be a portion of class which you would not wish to be accessible online due to your being identified, please let me know after class and send me an e-mail. In the event you miss a class and it was recorded, you may request to access the recording (though doing so will not excuse your absence).
Accessibility:
The University of Miami School of Law is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of our diverse student body. If you have a disability (including physical or mental health challenges) and need academic accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services via email at access@law.miami.edu. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive; students are encouraged to contact the office and inquire about any disability-related needs within the first weeks of the semester.
Title IX:
The University of Miami seeks to maintain a safe learning, living, and working environment free from discrimination based upon gender or sex. This includes from all types of sexual misconduct including but not limited to: Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault (including Sexual Battery), Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment, and Stalking. This also includes protection from discrimination for pregnant students. For additional information about the University’s policies with respect to Title IX, including resources and reporting options, please visit www.miami.edu/titleix or contact the University’s Title IX Office at titleixcoordinator@miami.edu.
Student Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of mindfulness and mindfulness practices, including how cultivating mindful awareness relates to the study and practice of law.
2. Differentiate mindfulness from related capacities, such as attention, awareness, relaxation, and self-care, while recognizing areas of overlap with approaches aimed primarily at stress reduction.
3. Examine scientific research on the efficacy of mindfulness practices in areas relevant to a life in the law.
4. Apply emotional regulation, listening skills, and self-awareness to support effective communication and decision-making.
5. Reflect critically on personal and professional experiences by integrating course practices and readings within a professional context.
Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence:
All work submitted is expected to be the student's own work. In this course, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in limited ways that support learning, consistent with the University of Miami School of Law’s standards of academic integrity. AI may not be used in a way that would constitute plagiarism if the AI output were that of a human author.
Students may use AI to suggest corrections to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. After first engaging independently with assigned material, including readings, videos, audio recordings, and mindfulness practices, students may also use AI to explore concepts or test and reinforce their understanding. AI should function as a learning aid, not as a substitute for personal analysis, reflection, or the independent development of ideas.
AI may not be used to generate initial drafts, outlines, or other preparatory work for assigned writing. Moreover, submitting AI-generated text as one’s own, or incorporating analysis, structure, or argumentation generated by AI rather than through the student’s own independent analysis and reasoning, undermines the educational purpose of this course and may constitute academic misconduct subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Miami Law’s Honor Code. Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all submitted work.
Learning in this course is emphasized through direct engagement with mindfulness practices, which foster a deeper understanding of written materials and concepts and a more meaningful engagement in class discussions. Overreliance on AI during this developmental process may produce writing that appears polished but lacks depth, coherence, and genuine analytical rigor, limiting the reflection and insight that are central to the course experience.
Any use of AI tools in the preparation of draft outlines, final paper drafts, or the final paper must be disclosed in a footnote describing the general nature of that use. Students must also be prepared to describe how AI was used and provide a record of relevant prompts and outputs upon request.
This policy may evolve during the semester in response to emerging technologies, institutional guidance, and class discussions. Any material changes will be communicated clearly and applied prospectively. Because the final paper is a central component of the course’s reflective and analytical work, it may be subject to additional or more restrictive AI guidelines. Students with questions about the permissible use of AI tools are encouraged to consult with me in advance of assignment deadlines.
Class Schedule:
The class schedule can be found by clicking on the links to each class assignment.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
January 16: Class One: Introduction to Mindfulness in Law
January 23: Class Two: Self-Awareness and Leadership
January 30: Class Three: Attention
February 6: Class Four: Relaxation
February 13: Class Five: Present Moment Pivot
February 20: Class Six: Awareness
February 27: Class Seven: Listening and a Taste of Mindfulness
March 6: Class Eight: Connection
* * * * March 2026 Spring Break * * * *
March 20: Class Nine: Self-Care and Outline
March 27: Class Ten: Negotiations and Me-Gotiations
April 3: Class Eleven: Creativity and Practice (Meet at Lowe Art Museum at 8:30)
TBA—“Student Presentations”
April 10: Class Twelve: Judgment and Decision-Making
April 17: Class Thirteen Freedom (Final Class)