In 1998, Scott began developing the mindfulness teaching methods and exercises that form the basis for the different programs developed and taught by the Institute for Mindfulness Studies (IMS). These mindfulness programs often involve the use of language and imagery that resonates with different groups both to communicate fundamental mindfulness principles and to develop mindfulness cues to help people “remember” to be mindful. These exercises and techniques are designed to help people transform moment-to-moment interactions through the cultivation of greater mindful awareness. The underlying insights and exercises are rooted in traditional mindfulness practices.
In 1999, Scott began introducing mindfulness to members of the legal profession. In 2003 Scott founded the online community, The Mindful Parent®. The Mindful Parent has been visited by people in over 70 countries around the world. In 2006, Scott published “Mindful Parenting: Meditations, Verses & Visualization for a More Joyful Life” and spoke at the Miami Book Fair International. He continues to conduct mindful parenting workshops and presentations.
In 2005, Scott began working with educators, therapists, teaching mindfulness in the therapeutic context, and today conducts Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy workshops. In 2007, Scott began working full-time with attorneys, judges, physicians and other professionals. In 2007 he began applying mindfulness practices to working with people interested in transforming their relationship to food.
In 2008 Scott conducted a pilot first year mindfulness program at the University of Miami School of Law which, in 2009, was expanded to encompass a comprehensive contemplative practices program for all law students. In 2011 Scott joined the Miami Law faculty and is founder and director of its Mindfulness in Law Program, the first in the country. At Miami Law, Scott has introduced and teaches courses that integrate mindfulness into the curriculum, including Mindful Ethics, Mindfulness in Law, and Mindful Leadership. In 2012 he received the "Richard Hausler Golden Apple Award" for his contributions to the Miami Law student body. In 2015 Scott was awarded the “Law Faculty Professionalism Award” by the Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism.
In 2009, Scott began working with members of the UM Miller School of Medicine faculty to introduce mindfulness to medical students and the medical school community. In 2010 Scott co-founded with cognitive neuroscientist, Amishi Jha, the University of Miami’s Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative.
In 2011 Scott helped co-found the Mindfulness in Law Joint Task Force of the Dade County Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association (South Florida Chapter) and presently co-chairs the group. He is the 2012 recipient of the Sookie William's award for "Outstanding Service to the Legal Community," and serves on the Executive Committee of the Balance in Legal Education section of the American Association of Law Schools. Scott is a member of the Board of Directors of "Mindful Kids Miami" and on the Board of Advisors of "Warrior One."
Scott is a regular speaker at law schools and bar programs across the country. He has appeared on television, HuffPost Live, National Public Radio, and been interviewed for magazines and newspapers across the world. In 2009 Scott published “Mindfulness for Law Students: Applying the Power of Mindful Awareness to Achieve Balance and Success in Law School” and “The Six-Minute Solution: A Mindfulness Primer for Lawyers. In 2012 he co-authored "Mindfulness and Professional Responsibility: A Guidebook for Integrating Mindfulness into the Law School Curriculum."
He has published numerous law review articles on mindfulness and legal education, developed and delivered mindfulness trainings as part of published peer review scientific research articles, and written and co-authored chapters on mindfulness in law as well as the benefits of mindfulness practice in high stress professions.
Scott provides consulting services and in-house programs to multi-national corporations, schools, accounting firms, medical professionals, law firms, and law schools, and conducts workshops throughout the United States. He lives in Miami Beach, Florida with his wife and two children.
