In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles and guest Nicolle Kopping-Pavars discuss the importance of mindfulness, kindness, and civility in the legal profession. As a mindfulness instructor and law school professor, Nicolle shares her insights on the challenges lawyers face, such as isolation and disconnection from their core values. She emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness practices, conscious communication, and self-awareness in reducing stress and fostering a supportive legal environment. Nicolle also highlights the significance of authenticity and compassion in building trust with clients and colleagues. The episode encourages lawyers to embrace wellness and mindfulness for a more fulfilling practice.

Nicolle is a dedicated lawyer and mediator who has been advocating for mental health within the legal profession and beyond since 2017. Currently serving as an advisor on the International Advisory Board for the IBA Guidelines on Wellbeing in Legal Education, Nicolle is committed to promoting holistic wellbeing in legal education.

Certified as a mindfulness instructor and author, Nicolle conducts workshops and training sessions on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, conscious communication, and trauma on both local and international platforms. Her dedication to holistic wellness extends to her role as a teacher on InsightTimer, a prominent global meditation app.

For more information about Nicolle and her transformative work, visit www.NicolleKP.com.

Civility in Law (00:07:25)
Gary and Nicolle discuss the decline of civility in the legal profession over the years.

Conscious Communication (00:08:39)
Nicolle emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's communication style for better interactions.

Active Listening vs. Hearing (00:12:06)
Nicolle differentiates between active listening and truly hearing someone, highlighting emotional connection.

Handling Aggressive Communication (00:14:28)
Nicolle provides strategies for managing conversations with aggressive attorneys while maintaining composure.

The Power of Silence (00:16:17)
Gary and Nicolle discuss how silence can be a powerful tool in intense conversations.

Mindfulness Defined (00:19:50)
Nicolle defines mindfulness as being aware of one's body and mind without judgment.

Building Mindfulness in Daily Practice (00:20:57)
Nicolle explains how meditation can help lawyers cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives.

Benefits of Mindfulness for Lawyers (00:22:00)
Nicolle discusses how mindfulness can reduce stress and improve focus for lawyers.

Mindfulness Practices (00:23:13)
Nicolle discusses the importance of allowing time for mindfulness and self-kindness.

Self-Compassion and Empathy (00:24:11)
The significance of being kind to oneself and others is to foster self-love.

Authenticity in Law (00:25:07)
Gary and Nicolle explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity in legal practice.

Building Trust with Colleagues (00:26:04)
Nicolle emphasizes the importance of personal connections with opposing counsel.

Compassion in Legal Practice (00:28:07)
Discussion on how lawyers can approach clients and colleagues with compassion.

Trauma Awareness (00:29:19)
Nicolle explains the impact of past experiences on current behavior and responses.

Breathing and Self-Awareness (00:33:08)
The importance of deep breathing and self-awareness in managing stress.

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