Polyvagal Theory in Lawyering: Cultivating Support for Ethical Decision-Making [Webinar]
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar for Well-Being Week in Law, “Polyvagal Theory in Lawyering: Cultivating Support for Ethical Decision Making,” featuring Dr. Tracey Meyers and Stacey Best, Esq.
This is the second presentation of a two-part series. The first presentation was held in February 2025 entitled “What is Polyvagal Theory? Applications for Navigating Stress & Resilience in the Legal Profession” which provides a helpful a foundation to continue this conversation.
This latest session is designed to provide legal professionals with valuable insights into how understanding and applying Polyvagal Theory can enrich their professional skills, promote integrity and resilience in their legal practice.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by scientist and researcher Dr. Stephen Porges, revolutionizes our understanding of the autonomic nervous system by highlighting how its three key branches—ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal—affect our responses to stress, safety, and social engagement. This presentation provides insights into how our physiological states influence emotional regulation and interpersonal connections which can significantly impact a lawyer’s ability to handle challenging situations in professional and personal settings.
Join us for:
- A brief overview of polyvagal theory and how the autonomic nervous system influences stress, resilience, and social engagement which is crucial for legal professionals
- A fresh framework through which lawyers can better understand or achieve best ethical practices
- A discussion about supports to enable lawyers to enhance resilience through a deeper understanding of the nervous system and polyvagal theory
Friday, May 9th
12pm – 1pm
Online via Zoom
Meet Our Presenters
Stacey Best, Esq.
Executive Director, LCLMA
Stacey joined LCL in 2021 as the Executive Director and, in that role is responsible for the strategic direction, daily operation, and management of the staff of both LCL and LOMAP. Stacey represents and participates with key stakeholders at various agencies and Committees of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), including the SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, the BBO, and the Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism to improve the quality of the legal profession.
Stacey joined LCL after spending 18 years with the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) and the Office of Bar Counsel (OBC). Most recently Stacey served as the Acting Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the BBO, a newly created role. At the BBO, Stacey investigated alleged violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct and litigated all stages of the disciplinary proceedings including all appeals.
Stacey began her career as a staff attorney in the trial division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS). She tried cases at the district and superior court levels representing indigent clients charged with felonies. Stacey is also a former clinical instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) at Harvard Law School, where several of her students tried cases. Stacey enjoys mentoring and teaching in a variety of settings including CLE, bar associations and law schools.
Stacey is a “transplant” from California to the Boston, Massachusetts area. She is a 1995 graduate of the Boston College School of Law.
Tracey Meyers, Psy.D.
Staff Clinician, LCLMA
Dr. Tracey Meyers joined LCL in 2020 following her work for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services where she spent over 17 years working as a clinical neuropsychologist and most recently as the director of behavioral intervention services for inpatient services. In addition to her over 25 years of neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy experience, Tracey has a strong commitment to integrative medicine for mental health and wellness and leads mindfulness and yoga programs for groups, individuals, and professionals in the workplace.
Tracey graduated from Skidmore College in 1992 and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology from Florida Tech in 1997. She completed her internship and post-doctoral training in neuropsychology at the Miami VA and University of Miami. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Neuropsychology, the International Neuropsychological Society, and the National Register of Healthcare Providers in Psychology. Tracey is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. In addition, she is an advanced yoga teacher, certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid, certified yoga therapist, and an instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful-Self Compassion, Breath-Body-Mind, and Integrative Restoration (iRest).
Tracey has authored several publications including articles and book chapters around integrative medicine, positive behavioral support treatment for different mental health conditions, and developing collaborative relationships in healthcare settings. Tracey is the author of the book, Yin Yoga Therapy and Mental Health, a guide for well-being using the healing practices of yoga and meditation.
Tracey runs our Weekly Yoga for Busy Legal Professionals and Weekly Mindfulness for Busy Legal Professionals, as well as office hours and groups at Massachusetts law schools. She is on the board of Mindfulness and the Law Society (MILS) and regularly leads mindfulness practices for their national organization. Tracey is committed to reducing stigma around mental health in the law and co-facilitates Mental Health First Aid certification trainings for legal professionals.
Tracey can be reached at (617) 482-9600 or tracey@lclma.org.