The little things are what matter the most - in life and in law. They are what keep us healthy, bring us joy, and allow us to ethically serve others as lawyers.
I’m Patty Beck and my goal is to teach lawyers, judges, and legal professionals how to infuse well-being into their personal and professional lives.
At A Balanced Practice, I offer presentations focused on these “little things” with an emphasis on the intersection between well-being and ethics, how mindfulness can help us feel more engaged at home and at work, and techniques to manage the stress we experience each day as lawyers and as people. I also offer wellness retreats focused on developing workplace relationships, and a workshop through Arizona State University entitled Foundations of Mindfulness for Lawyers, which highlights how mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience can enhance our lives as attorneys.
Learn more about My Offerings.
After starting my career in “Big Law,” I left private practice to work as a Claim Attorney at a legal malpractice carrier where I discovered how many ethical pitfalls lawyers must navigate each day (and how hard we are on ourselves when we make mistakes!). This fueled my passion for discovering the “little things” lawyers can do each day to feel successful in our personal and professional lives.
At A Balanced Practice, I offer presentations, retreats and workshops for lawyers, judges and legal professionals focused on practical ways to incorporate well-being into their personal and professional lives. Presentations will be for CLE credit whenever possible. Retreats are all about developing workplace relationships while learning well-being strategies. Workshops are presented in partnership with the Arizona State University Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience.
Following the articles I’ve written the last few years for the Professional Liability Defense Federation Quarterly magazine with tips on how to introduce well-being practices into your life as a person and lawyer (see above “little things” section), The Little Well-Being Blog is a place where you can come for ideas and inspiration for making small changes that can stick with you in the long run while adding a little joy to your daily routine. Additionally, on my Resources page I have a few articles and links to other attorney well-being organizations that you can consult for additional guidance.
Inhale through your nose for four counts and exhale out your mouth for eight counts. When you feel stressed, come back to your breath.
but you can learn to surf.”
"You can't stop the waves,
~ Jon Kabat-Zinn,
Founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction
To learn more about developing a mindfulness practice, read my article "Practicing Well: Notice It!"
I wear fun socks each day, and now I'm known as the "fun sock lady" at my gym!
- Anne H. (Virginia)
I go to the gym before the sun is up and lately I have been walking there without my headphones in to enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the city before everyone wakes up. It’s sort of a meditative way to begin the day instead of constantly having pods/music/radio in my ear.
- Andrew C. (Pennsylvania)
Our firm has appointed me as “minister of culture” and my job is to always look to boost morale with work events, happy hours, fun sports pools and contests, and ensure we all take moments out of our days/weeks/months to enjoy our time together as co-workers and friends. - Tony C. (Virginia)
Be grateful for all you have to be grateful! - Kevin D. (Iowa)
I try to get outside for a walk every day, either with my dog or by myself! - Lori B. (Ohio)
I take mini-breaks throughout the day to play pieces I enjoy on my piano!
– Alice S. (Minnesota)
I always try to project positive energy to those around me regardless of the day I’m having. I’d rather project positivity than bring others down with negativity.
- Bill O. (Illinois)