A Mindful Lawyer
An interview with Jon Krop
CLE Credit — Approved in 5 States
The legal profession is known for its high-stakes, high-stress lifestyle. The dangers of stress to mind and body are similarly well known. However, as one endocrinologist famously put it, “It is not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” In a time of heightened stress, we explore one potentially powerful strategy that lawyers can use to more effectively combat stress and improve their professionalism–mindfulness. As Jon Krop explains, mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and a practical tool to help better manage stress. Krop describes some of the unique characteristics of the legal profession that may make lawyers more prone to stress and makes the case for incorporating mindfulness and meditation to improve job performance and the health of the profession overall. This interview explores both the scientific underpinnings and benefits of mindfulness and concrete tips to incorporate mindfulness into a busy lawyer’s daily life.
About Jon Krop
“High levels of stress aren’t just bad for your health, but they’re bad for your performance.”
Jon Krop is the founder of Mindfulness for Lawyers. Krop has taught mindfulness at some of the world’s top law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies. Previously, he clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and worked as a litigator at firms in Los Angeles and New York City. Through Mindfulness for Lawyers, Krop helps individuals reduce stress and improve their well-being through online programs and initiatives and in-person workshops. He has been studying mindfulness for more than thirteen years. His seminars are targeted for lawyers and rest on the idea of being “designed for lawyers by a lawyer” and are specifically tailored to help lawyers lessen anxiety, ameliorate mental health as a whole, have greater emotional resilience, increased productivity, and countless other benefits.
