WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED.
We’ve only been around a few years, but boy, have we grown. Here’s a look at some of the past events we’ve had the honor to be a part of in our legal communities:
VIRTUAL SITS
Every week, MILS hosts Mindful Mondays and Wakeful Wednesdays. Lead by our wonderful mindfulness teachers, the virtual sits consist of a guided mindfulness meditation session as well as opportunities for participants to discuss; seeking advice with problems and issues they are facing, sharing how mindfulness has impacted their lives, etc. Our teachers also provide a short introduction to mindfulness, helpful information to anyone interested in mindfulness or new to mindfulness.
Our virtual sits take place on:
Mondays @ 12PM PT/2PM CT/3PM ET
Wednesdays @ 2PM PT/ 4PM CT/ 5PM ET
MILS NATIONAL CONFERENCES
“Thanks to everyone who planned the 2025 MILS conference. I enjoyed meeting so many legal professionals from across the country who are working on these same issues. The conference included a great mixture of substantive panels and mindfulness practices. Our trip to Spirit Rock was a deeply moving and impactful experience. The logistics and practical details were seamless – great hotel, great facilities, well-organized trip to Sprit Rock. I am so glad that I chose to spend a couple of days with the MILS community.”
John Devlin, MILS Oregon Chapter Chair
The MILS 2025 In-person Conference & Retreat took place in San Francisco from July 22 - July 24. The Event brought together legal professionals from across the world, united by a shared intention: to rest, recharge, and strengthen the unique community connection that MILS offers.
The feedback was clear: this year’s gathering wasn’t just an event. It was transformative. It was deeply meaningful. And it reminded us why this community matters so much.
The Event offered rich and timely CLE programming that reflected the heart of our mission, including:
The Neuroscience of Mindfulness
Participants explored how mindfulness not only supports well-being but also enhances decision-making, cognitive flexibility, and presence, essential skills for ethical legal practice.
Mindfulness & Ethics
Our sessions delved into the connection between inner awareness and external integrity in law practice, law schools and leadership.
One of the sessions highlighted the power of embodied practices in prisons, courts, and institutions, reminding us of the broader impact mindful lawyering can have on justice systems and underserved communities.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
The Day of Retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center provided a space where attendees could pause, reflect, and connect on a personal level and receive meaningful professional development.
MILS is deeply grateful to our speakers, panelists, volunteers, and attendees whose presence helped create a truly memorable experience. The energy, insights, and shared commitment to well-being and mindfulness in the legal profession were palpable, and we are so deeply grateful.
We are also thankful for the generosity of our Sponsors and believe that Sponsorship isn’t just about support: it’s leadership, and a bold statement that Sponsors value resilience, mental health, and the future of a sustainable legal profession.
To view the full Conference & Retreat Schedule click here.
Mindful in Memphis Conference & Retreat 2023
The road to Mindful in Memphis started in 2019. And just like any hero’s journey, it was full of twists and turns, stops and starts, faith and doubt. Through it all, a dedicated team of volunteers from MILS, the University of Memphis Cecil Humohrey’s School of Law, the Hotels of Court Square, the National Civil Rights Museum, Imagine Vegan Cafe and Magnolia Grove Monastery never gave up!
Living from vulnerability is not taught in law school. Our presenters and teachers throughout the weekend demonstrated beautifully how to gently soften the armoring that protects minds and hearts, yet causes suffering and separation. Awakening and becoming fully alive is a process of unarmoring, with compassion, a piece at a time.
Rhonda Magee, our keynote speaker, created a healing space to hold it all: joy, laughter, love, anger and loss. We learned to see ourselves and to see each other. As a result, a healing sangha, like a rare and precious jewel, emerged!
Generous sponsorships from Mintz, Alston & Bird, Memphis Law School, and Warrior One provided valuable financial support to make the event possible.
Well-being in the legal profession can only happen with a collective commitment to support the practices that make room for all parts of ourselves. Mindfulness in Law Society is truly a refuge where vulnerability can be felt and shared.
Pictures from the event can be found here!
National Conference 2018
“Mindfulness and the Path to Lawyer Well-Being” — National Conference in Chicago in August 2018. Co-sponsors included The National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility, the National Center for State Courts, and Mintz, an international law firm.
Hon. Michael D. Zimmerman presenting at our 2018 “Mindfulness and the Path to Lawyer Well-Being” national conference in Chicago.
RETREATS
Gray Bear Retreat 2020
MILS sponsored a 2020 nature retreat at the Gray Bear Lodge Rustic Retreat Center. Attendees were able to participate in activities, such as meditation and yoga.
Attendees at the 2020 retreat were able to enjoy mindful walking and hiking through a forest. Attendees left rave reviews of their experience of the retreat!
