Law Practice and the Human Brain: 

Neuro-Literacy 101 for Lawyers, Mediators, and Judges 

 Register Now!Reclaiming law as a healing profession is the mission of the Integrative Law Institute. The journey from warrior to healer begins with learning the basics of "neuro-literacy."

The Workshop Agenda

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW: Introducing a  new, humanistic jurisprudence based on accurate understanding of how human beings actually experience conflict, negotiations, and decision making Resolving human conflicts:  new perspectives on the problem of an ultrasocial species with a human primate brain

“WHO AM I?” Understanding the triune brain Naïve realism and neural realism Memory and observation Empathy and mirror neurons Language, metaphor,  narrative , and the brain

WHO IS THE CLIENT? Attachment from a neuro-evolutionary perspective Conflict and cognition “Us and Them”—the primate small group Trust: the human evolutionary advantage

WHAT IS THE TASK? Breaches of trust in human primate relationships Courts and the law as ultrasocial institutions addressing human small group disruptions Lawyers as authority figures: unpacking “informed consent” Human needs, shallow peace, and deep resolution: client interests include far more than what’s justiciable

HOW DO I DO THE TASK? The non-rational side of preferences and attitudes: empathy, entrainment, mirror neurons, and more The non-rational side of weighing options and making choices: introduction to cognitive biases and neuro-economic concepts The “secret instructions” we give clients that even we are unaware of: contagion, priming, environmental cues Becoming a more aware,  more constructive presence in the conflict resolution process Ethically invoking the power of neuro-literacy to help clients achieve their own highest goals and priorities

CLOSING DISCUSSION:   What are your key take-aways? How does basic neuroliteracy alter your beliefs about the lawyer’s  proper role in personal conflict resolution? What changes in environment, practice, and intention will you experiment with on Monday morning? Is this optional?

Some comments about Pauline Tesler's "Neuro-literacy" trainings:

“Neuro-Collaboration presents an entirely new dimension to conflict resolution, with profound implications for the effectiveness of process and the potential for deep and durable resolution. This course is essential for any conflict resolution professional.” David Fink, J.D., Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, co-founder of Collaborative Practice California (the second-largest collaborative practice organization in the world), and a many-time California “Superlawyer.”

"Neuro-Collaboration provides a much needed dimension for all practitioners working in consensual dispute resolution. The course fills a void; professionals trying to resolve disputes can now truly understand and learn , through hands-on training , the inner-workings of what goes through the minds of our clients when they are in conflict. The rewards from taking this course are remarkable! " Frederick Glassman, JD, President, Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association; listed in Best Lawyers of America (mediation and collaborative law); member of Board, California Dispute Resolution Council; Registered Observer for the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.

“The Neuro-Collaboration course was spellbinding! It was well presented and engaged everyone in the class from beginning to end -- we sometimes almost forgot to take breaks! This cutting edge information about human meaning-making and behavior should be required study -- early on -- in every law school and conflict resolution curriculum." Tom Owens, .D., L.L.M, civil and commercial mediator, arbitrator, negotiator, consultant, and coach, listed in “Best Lawyers in America.”

 "We see so many places where the findings of neurobiology apply in our work. Thank you so much for making them available and showing their relevance so clearly. It was a delight to listen to you.” Betty Kohlenberg, M.S., CRC, ABVE-D

. . . and about Pauline's gifts as a trainer:  

"Everyone had a great experience. Your energy and enthusiasm are inspiring. This was the best thing this group has experienced together. We look forward to seeing you again."  Susan A Moussi, CPA, CFP®, CDFA, CVA | Principal | Tax Advisors & Litigation Support

“This program has given me more tools than I could have imagined receiving. It was revolutionary for me.” Pamela Schneider, Gainesville FL

"Great teaching with Pauline Tesler!! I loved this CLE - Thanks." Suzanne Charest, Edmonds, Washington

"Besides the fact that Pauline is an energetic and inspired trainer who galvanizes the group into rapid learning, the reference materials are a treasure of information for any legal professional seeking a genuine way to serve the public." Carol Bailey, Seattle, Washington

"Some scales fell away from my eyes and there were periods of clear vision. We had not even been aware of the of the scales beforehand. This was certainly the most exciting and stimulating course I have attended and a pivotal moment. I now know where I am going." Lynn Child, Wheltons, London

"Probably in the top 5 CLE’s I’ve done in 25 years." Mary Ellen Rose, Overland Park, Kansas

"A fantastic event which really challenged one’s practice methodology and offered real prospects for matrimonial law 're-birth' and future job satisfaction." Susie Clark, Boyless, Kirringmuir, Edinburgh, Scotland

 "In a word, Pauline Tesler is gifted. Not only is Pauline the apparent “godmother” of the collaborative law model. . ., she is also a truly gifted teacher of her craft. Pauline Tesler’s two-day, intensive, dynamic and inordinately energetic introductory collaborative law training program is the best CLE program I have attended in 13 years of law practice. That Pauline can spend two full days imparting her skill and experience with 100 percent group participation is a testament not only to her obvious dedication to collaborative practice, but also to her obvious dedication to bringing badly-needed, fundamental change to the way. . . law is practiced! Thank you, Pauline!!"  Michael Scholl, Tacoma, Washington

 "This CLE will and has changed my practice so that I can - on a much deeper level - contribute to the lives of other people. This is the most exciting development of my practice since I hung out my shingle 13+ years ago!"  Ken Levey, Tacoma, Washington

 "The most entertaining and informative course that I have attended in ages. Pauline’s enthusiasm and expertise and clarity were an inspiration for the collaborative law process."  Michael Gillman, Bishop & Sewell, London

"I found the training to be a ‘life changing’ experience - a sort of ‘growing up’ or maturing. Instead of fighting like two children in the playground, we will encourage clients to ‘own’ their own problems and deal with them as mature adults and parents."  Samuel J. Creighton, Belfast, Northern Ireland

"This was a passionate and inspirational speaker delivering an amazing and insightful program which is life changing."  Beverly Clark, Adelaide, Australia

"My colleague and I are complete converts! Even us ‘straightforward’ Yorkshire folks can fully see the benefits for the clients and ourselves in this way of practicing. I look forward to my first case with relish, and I only hope I can be half as enthusiastic and committed as Pauline!" C. Thornton, Glasgow, Scotland

“I have been teaching law for 30 years. Pauline Tesler is probably the best trainer I have ever encountered. . . in addition to a profound understanding of the subject, she has a brilliant ability to convey the deep ethical and human implications of collaborative [practice], while simultaneously addressing practical steps in a. . .way that engages her audience.”  Iris Burke, Univ. of Florida Law School