CLASS SYLLABUS: LAW 513 AW
(Important Note: The definitive version is found on the Canvas Course Site)
Mindfulness In Law
Cultivating Tools for Effective Practice
Fall 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
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)
Weekly Readings:
—Articles, 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.
SoBe Mindful 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.
You will be prompted for an access code to be able to listen to the guided practices. This code will be provided to you in the Pre-Class Survey. Upon confirming that you are able to listen to the guided practices on the app, please text Professor Rogers at 786-239-9318 to let him know. Include your name and that you are in the Mindfulness in Law class. If you have any difficulties accessing the App, please contact Professor Rogers.
—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)
Weekly Readings:
—Articles, 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.
SoBe Mindful 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.
You will be prompted for an access code to be able to listen to the guided practices. This code will be provided to you in the Pre-Class Survey. Upon confirming that you are able to listen to the guided practices on the app, please text Professor Rogers at 786-239-9318 to let him know. Include your name and that you are in the Mindfulness in Law class. 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:
Regular attendance is essential to this course. Much of the learning occurs through discussion, experiential exercises, and reflection that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom. Consistent attendance also helps cultivate a practical understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and the study and practice of law. In addition, both the ABA and Miami Law require regular class attendance, preparation, and participation.
Students are permitted one absence without penalty. A second or subsequent absence does not automatically result in a grade reduction. However, poor attendance (including missing two or more classes), excessive tardiness, or inadequate preparation or participation may adversely affect a student's grade. Students who miss more than one class should notify both Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz.
Absences that are excused under University policy or otherwise approved by Professor Rogers may be made up at Professor Rogers' discretion. Make-up work will ordinarily require the student to review the recorded class materials and submit timely written responses or other assignments demonstrating engagement with the material covered during the missed class.
Attention to Detail:
Although we all know how to pay attention, we also routinely slip into autopilot, making us more likely to overlook straightforward instructions or miss important details. This course provides an opportunity to strengthen not only your understanding of mindfulness but also your capacity for careful, deliberate attention. Accordingly, I encourage you to be especially attentive to this syllabus, the course website, assignment deadlines, the dates and times of Mindful Spaces, and announcements regarding special events.
Grading:
Final grades will be based on the following components:
--Class participation: 25%
--Assignments: 35%
--Final paper: 40%
Readings:
Most weeks, the assigned reading will include readings from the primary texts. Supplemental readings may include articles, book chapters, and law review articles that relate to the topics being discussed in class.
Mindfulness Practice:
Class assignments include regular mindfulness practice (between 6–18 minutes, at your choosing) and to recording your periodically observations and reflections. Engagement with these practices is an important component of the course and will deepen your understanding of the material both intellectually and experientially.
Class Participation:
Throughout the semester, you will participate in class discussions, mindfulness practices, classroom demonstrations, discussions of legal and scientific readings. Thoughtful engagement with these activities is an important component of your learning and of your class participation grade.
Contact:
When emailing, please direct your email to both Professor Rogers and Ms. Cruz. If you e-mail outside of Canvas, please begin the subject line with “MIL_F2026_”, followed by (1) the subject you are writing about, and (2) your name.
Assignments:
Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
You are not expected to finish the course as a committed mindfulness practitioner or even to conclude that mindfulness is right for you. You are, however, expected to develop an informed understanding of what mindfulness practice entails, the challenges it can present, and the benefits it may offer. That understanding comes not only from reading and discussion but also from forming the intention to practice and following through on that intention consistently throughout the semester.
Students are expected to participate in at least one 12-minute Mindful Spaces session 8 times across the semester. If your schedule conflicts with some or all of the scheduled sessions, alternative options will be made available. It is your responsibility to notify Professor Rogers by email if you are unable to attend the scheduled sessions so that appropriate alternatives can be arranged.
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 select a topic of particular interest to you.
Outline:
Shortly after the mid-semester break, you will draft an outline and portions of specific sections of the paper. This will help us assess (1) the degree to which you are gaining a sufficient understanding 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.
Paper Draft Submissions:
I hope that writing this paper will be a meaningful experience for you—both as a process of reflection and expression—and that your paper will become something you, and perhaps others, may look to as a helpful guide for understanding and practicing mindfulness. In class and during our one-on-one meetings, you will receive a checklist of topics to consider including in your paper. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply a required order of discussion.
You will be given due dates for submitting paper drafts for review and feedback. Feedback may take the form of written comments on the paper, audio or video responses, or scheduled one-on-one meetings. Together we can discuss and revise your work as much as you find helpful. Please plan to submit a thoughtfully prepared draft and include specific questions so that our review and discussion can be as meaningful as possible. If you request feedback on a subsection, we will likely be able to meet within a day or two. Longer submissions may require three to five days for review. The last day for meetings to review papers will be announced prior to your beginning to work on them.
Writing is a craft, and part of our shared work is to develop and refine your skills in this regard. In my experience, it is also not easy to translate mindfulness into words. Engaging with that challenge—through writing, reflection, and revision—is an important aspect of our work together and part of your task in shaping and refining your paper into its final form.
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:
See the policy below titled “Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence” for an explanation of permissible AI use and to download the "Generative AI Use Acknowledgment Form" to be submitted along with the final paper.
Class Recordings:
Students are expressly prohibited from recording any part of this course. Meetings of this course might be recorded by the professor or University. When a student's absence is excused or with permission from the professor, portions of a course recording will be made available to students registered for this class. 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.
Religious Holy Day Policy
Any student absent from class in observance of a religious holy day shall not be penalized for an examination or assignment missed during the absence, and if the student previously notified the professor, must be offered a reasonable opportunity to make up the work without penalty. If a student misses class for a religious holiday, this absence will be excused if the student notifies the professor in writing of the date of the holiday and the expected absence within the first three days of class. This policy must be read in conjunction with the instructor’s attendance policy.
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:
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. Over-reliance 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.
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.
The final paper submission must include an addendum containing a "Generative AI Use Acknowledgment Form" (click here to downloadLinks to an external site.) that requires students to disclose whether generative AI tools were used and, if so, to identify the specific tools used, describe the purposes for which they were used, and explain how any AI-generated output informed their work.
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.
Your Presence in Class:
Regular attendance is essential to this course. Much of the learning occurs through discussion, experiential exercises, and reflection that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom. Consistent attendance also helps cultivate a practical understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and the study and practice of law. In addition, both the ABA and Miami Law require regular class attendance, preparation, and participation.
Students are permitted one absence without penalty. A second or subsequent absence does not automatically result in a grade reduction. However, poor attendance (including missing two or more classes), excessive tardiness, or inadequate preparation or participation may adversely affect a student's grade. Students who miss more than one class should notify both Professor Rogers and Kim Cruz.
Absences that are excused under University policy or otherwise approved by Professor Rogers may be made up at Professor Rogers' discretion. Make-up work will ordinarily require the student to review the recorded class materials and submit timely written responses or other assignments demonstrating engagement with the material covered during the missed class.
Attention to Detail:
Although we all know how to pay attention, we also routinely slip into autopilot, making us more likely to overlook straightforward instructions or miss important details. This course provides an opportunity to strengthen not only your understanding of mindfulness but also your capacity for careful, deliberate attention. Accordingly, I encourage you to be especially attentive to this syllabus, the course website, assignment deadlines, the dates and times of Mindful Spaces, and announcements regarding special events.
Grading:
Final grades will be based on the following components:
--Class participation: 25%
--Assignments: 35%
--Final paper: 40%
Readings:
Most weeks, the assigned reading will include readings from the primary texts. Supplemental readings may include articles, book chapters, and law review articles that relate to the topics being discussed in class.
Mindfulness Practice:
Class assignments include regular mindfulness practice (between 6–18 minutes, at your choosing) and to recording your periodically observations and reflections. Engagement with these practices is an important component of the course and will deepen your understanding of the material both intellectually and experientially.
Class Participation:
Throughout the semester, you will participate in class discussions, mindfulness practices, classroom demonstrations, discussions of legal and scientific readings. Thoughtful engagement with these activities is an important component of your learning and of your class participation grade.
Contact:
When emailing, please direct your email to both Professor Rogers and Ms. Cruz. If you e-mail outside of Canvas, please begin the subject line with “MIL_F2026_”, followed by (1) the subject you are writing about, and (2) your name.
Assignments:
Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
You are not expected to finish the course as a committed mindfulness practitioner or even to conclude that mindfulness is right for you. You are, however, expected to develop an informed understanding of what mindfulness practice entails, the challenges it can present, and the benefits it may offer. That understanding comes not only from reading and discussion but also from forming the intention to practice and following through on that intention consistently throughout the semester.
Students are expected to participate in at least one 12-minute Mindful Spaces session 8 times across the semester. If your schedule conflicts with some or all of the scheduled sessions, alternative options will be made available. It is your responsibility to notify Professor Rogers by email if you are unable to attend the scheduled sessions so that appropriate alternatives can be arranged.
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 select a topic of particular interest to you.
Outline:
Shortly after the mid-semester break, you will draft an outline and portions of specific sections of the paper. This will help us assess (1) the degree to which you are gaining a sufficient understanding 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.
Paper Draft Submissions:
I hope that writing this paper will be a meaningful experience for you—both as a process of reflection and expression—and that your paper will become something you, and perhaps others, may look to as a helpful guide for understanding and practicing mindfulness. In class and during our one-on-one meetings, you will receive a checklist of topics to consider including in your paper. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply a required order of discussion.
You will be given due dates for submitting paper drafts for review and feedback. Feedback may take the form of written comments on the paper, audio or video responses, or scheduled one-on-one meetings. Together we can discuss and revise your work as much as you find helpful. Please plan to submit a thoughtfully prepared draft and include specific questions so that our review and discussion can be as meaningful as possible. If you request feedback on a subsection, we will likely be able to meet within a day or two. Longer submissions may require three to five days for review. The last day for meetings to review papers will be announced prior to your beginning to work on them.
Writing is a craft, and part of our shared work is to develop and refine your skills in this regard. In my experience, it is also not easy to translate mindfulness into words. Engaging with that challenge—through writing, reflection, and revision—is an important aspect of our work together and part of your task in shaping and refining your paper into its final form.
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:
See the policy below titled “Academic Integrity, Honor Code, and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence” for an explanation of permissible AI use and to download the "Generative AI Use Acknowledgment Form" to be submitted along with the final paper.
Class Recordings:
Students are expressly prohibited from recording any part of this course. Meetings of this course might be recorded by the professor or University. When a student's absence is excused or with permission from the professor, portions of a course recording will be made available to students registered for this class. 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.
Religious Holy Day Policy
Any student absent from class in observance of a religious holy day shall not be penalized for an examination or assignment missed during the absence, and if the student previously notified the professor, must be offered a reasonable opportunity to make up the work without penalty. If a student misses class for a religious holiday, this absence will be excused if the student notifies the professor in writing of the date of the holiday and the expected absence within the first three days of class. This policy must be read in conjunction with the instructor’s attendance policy.
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:
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. Over-reliance 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.
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.
The final paper submission must include an addendum containing a "Generative AI Use Acknowledgment Form" (click here to downloadLinks to an external site.) that requires students to disclose whether generative AI tools were used and, if so, to identify the specific tools used, describe the purposes for which they were used, and explain how any AI-generated output informed their work.
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.