Dealing with Difficult People: Mindfulness Strategies for Lawyers

Lawyers often deal with people going through the hardest times in their lives. This means that the work of being a lawyer often includes dealing with difficult people and opposing counsel. How can lawyers manage a case effectively in the midst of this? How can lawyers work with people who do not manage their own stress and sometimes engage in adverse behaviors while staying well themselves? 

This session is intended to offer practical tips rooted in mindfulness and compassion that can help as well as the peace of mind of knowing that you aren't alone. Lawyer, author, mindfulness and compassion teacher, and founder of the Brilliant Legal Mind blog, Claire E. Parsons will review the challenge of dealing with difficult people as it arises in legal matters and the ethical rules governing these scenarios. She will also share strategies and practices that any legal professional can adopt to support themselves in navigating these conflicts.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Review ethical obligations for attorneys which include mental health management and self-care to effectively guide clients through high-conflict situations

2. Identify common reasons why difficult relationships and behaviors arise in legal matters

3. Explore signs that action may be needed to bring stability to oneself and one's relationships in navigating conflict

4. Discuss the role that mindfulness and compassion can have to help lawyers bring stability to law practice

5. Identify practices to improve communication, increase focus on relevant issues, and navigate or resolve disputes even in strained relationships with opposing counsel or others