Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers

Ischia, Italy
April 7 - 11, 2025

Welcome to an empowering, immersive journey to help lawyers optimize their skills to leverage success, grow their happiness and well-being, and become stronger leaders.


Lawyers solve problems. In a state of tension, the view of the solutions becomes narrow. It’s hard to think creatively when we’re stressed. As lawyers reduce their stress, the possible set of outcomes becomes wider. A well-being, happiness, and stress reduction program is good for a lawyer's personal life, and also directly supports a lawyer's career success

The Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers is an event for attorneys that provides life-changing training sessions for long-term results and lasting success.

There is also time for cultural experiences and networking with others lawyers to develop personal and professional relationships.

You will learn how to prioritize among competing demands and make measurable progress toward your goals, both personal and professional.

Participate in leadership training, spend time meditating, visit the best sites of Ischia, reap the benefits of an authentic Italian experience, and leave with skills you will use for years to come.

CLE credits may be available in your jurisdiction.

You'll experience transformative leadership training and improve your well-being.

WHAT

This unique 5-day Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers gives attorneys the opportunity to build genuine friendships and partnerships with current leaders in the legal field and strategize together about ways to overcome challenges lawyers today face – both personal and professional.

As you train to become a better leader and happier person, the program will also open you up to the poetry, mythology, food, music, and wine of Italy.

Your time here includes:

  • Connections to other lawyers

  • Transformative trainings

  • Daily meditation

  • Daily yoga

  • Small town authentic Italian life for 5 days

  • Lunches out in restaurants on the island

  • 5-course dinners every night and wine tasting

  • Boat ride on the Mediterranean sea

  • Soaking in thermal baths

WHERE

Southern Italy is paradise in the spring.

Everyone knows the famous island of Capri.

Lesser known is the next island over called Ischia.

It is as beautiful, if not more so, and for the most part tourists haven't discovered it yet.

Ischia is amazing because it combines a deep history– Homer included it as part of Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, W. H. Auden composed poetry about it, and it's the first place where the Ancient Greeks landed when they moved to Italy.

Ischia offers lovely small towns, beautiful vegetation and nature, the sparkling Mediterranean sea, friendly people, and natural thermal hot springs that relax the body and mind.

It's a wonderful place to spend time in April, and a wonderful setting to be meeting industry leaders in the field of law.

It is also a good place to connect to yourself, your happiness, and your vision for yourself and your legal career.

Empowering well-being, leadership, and networking experience to increase your success.

Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro – Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure (Italian Proverb)

THEMES DAY-BY-DAY

Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner

  • Welcome lunch and introductions to setting goals

  • Meditation to arrive fully

  • Insight into Italian poetry

  • Five-course gourmet dinner

Day 2: Relax, Connect, Cultural Experiences

  • Hike Epomeo Mountain

  • Discover the mythology of Ischia

  • Winery visit

  • How to Reduce Burnout

  • Five-course gourmet dinner

Day 3: Happiness for Lawyers

  • Self-Compassion Meditation

  • Freedom from the Inner Critic

  • Stroll through La Mortella Gardens

  • Boat ride on the Mediterranean

  • Five-course gourmet dinner

Day 4: Leadership of Self and Others

  • Interactive Leadership Training

  • Dip in the Mediterranean Sea where the mineral hot springs make the water warm

  • Drinks on the rooftop terrace

  • Five-course gourmet dinner

Day 5: Compassion in the Legal Field

  • Last long breakfast on the terrace

  • Visit to the Archeological Museum

  • Winery visit

  • Closing Session: Achievements and Future Endeavours

EXPERIENCE CURATED BY:
ELIZABETH PYJOV, JD MTS

Quinlan School of Business Loyola University Chicago Faculty

B.A. Harvard College, Romance Languages and Literatures

‍Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion

J.D. from Harvard Law School

MTS from Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree

New York City Bar Well-Being Committee Member

Ranked as a top speaker at the Carlyle Group, Columbia Law School, Deutsche Bank, Library of Congress, the New York State Supreme Court, Novartis & Warby Parker

This event will help you access your authenticity and strength.
— Elizabeth Pyjov

Elizabeth is a lawyer, thought leader, speaker, and CEO who holds 3 Harvard degrees, speaks 5 languages, has lived in 7 countries, and studied neuroscience at Stanford Medical School.

Her professional experience spans being a funds attorney at Sidley Austin, policy work at the United Nations, conducting legal investigations for the New York Attorney General's Office, marketing for Italy's top television stations RAI in Rome, and working as a literary translator for Italian Nobel prize-winning author Dario Fo.

Elizabeth combines what she learned about ritual and meaning at Harvard Divinity School, her literature degree from Harvard College, the rigor of Harvard Law School, and her time studying with the Dalai Lama to think outside the box and address modern challenges in the legal world.

She currently runs 3 organizations: Lead with Compassion, Happiness Sangha, and Self-Compassion for Lawyers.

I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.
— CNN Travel

L’amore si misura in piatti cucinati – Love is measured in cooked dishes (Italian Proverb)

Wine has been produced in Ischia for almost 3000 years. It was introduced by the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, and Ischia is still famous all over the world for its wines.

Local Experience


The owner of the villa where we will be staying owns an organic fruit and vegetable farm, and the food we'll be eating is sourced from there.

All the food for the duration of your stay is included. We will eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, and salads as well as meat, seafood, and fish, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

Special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, allergies, and sensitivities are happily accommodated.

A lot of the food we will be eating is grown in the garden at the villa.

LOCATION


Guests will receive a private room and bathroom in a beautiful villa hotel with daily maid service.

Trainings will take place at one of the two beautiful Italian villas where we will be staying, one in front of the other. Jacuzzis, a rooftop pool for swimming, as well as pools of healing mineral hot springs are at your disposal on the property, as well as saunas, Turkish baths, and spas. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous views of the island from the rooftop terraces.

You can lounge on one of two rooftop terraces, wind down in the spa, enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the courtyard, and have traditional Italian multi-course meals in the dining room while building the future of what the legal profession becomes.

Excursions around the island are included.

ITINERARY

  • Arrive on the island of Ischia on a one-hour boat ride from Naples

  • Aperol Spritz or mineral water to refresh you

  • Welcome lunch

  • Soak in the jacuzzi on the rooftop, enjoying the view of the volcano

  • Introduction to daily gratitude practice

  • Italian poetry series (poetry is important to happiness!)

  • Mindfulness Meditation Practice

  • 5-course dinner with wine

  • Night soak in the thermal hot springs for relaxation

DAY 1

  • Morning soak in the thermal pools

  • Morning yoga practice on the roof

  • Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning

  • Morning mindfulness practice

  • Stroll through the lovely town of Lacco Ameno

  • Hike Mountain Epomeo

  • Lunch out in town to try the best pizza on the island

  • Return to the villa, free time

  • Introduction to the History and Mythology of the Island of Ischia

  • Session on Self-Compassion and How to Reduce Burnout

  • 5-course dinner with wine

  • Option to take an evening walk in a local town and get some gelato

DAY 2

  • Morning soak in the thermal pools

  • Morning yoga practice on the roof

  • Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning

  • Morning cappuccino

  • Morning meditation practice

  • Self-guided visit to the beautiful gardens Giardini La Mortella

  • Free time back at the villa to siesta or sunbathe on the rooftop, soak in the thermal waters, or sip an Aperol Spritz on the terrace

  • Introduction to Leadership of Self and Freedom from the Inner Critic Master Class

  • Wine tasting mixer

  • 5-course dinner with wine

  • After dinner option to explore the beautiful town of Forio at night

DAY 3

  • Morning soak in the thermal pools

  • Morning yoga practice on the roof

  • Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning

  • Morning meditation practice

  • Interactive Leadership Training

  • Visit to the local winery and lunch at the winery

  • Visit to the Castello Arogonese (Castle Arogonese) built 500 BC, a former abbey of Basilian monks with Eastern Orthodox art

  • Free time back at the villa

  • Optional time to go shopping in the town Lacco Ameno

  • Interactive leadership training

  • Italian poetry series

  • 5-course dinner with wine and special desserts

  • Night of live music at the villa to celebrate our last evening together

DAY 4

  • Morning soak in the thermal pools 

  • Morning yoga practice on the roof

  • Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning

  • Morning cappuccino

  • Visit to the Tomassone Winery

  • Closing Session: Achievements and Future Endeavours

  • Soaking in thermal hot springs at the villa one more time

  • Boat to Naples (or, if you like, it’s an easy boat ride to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi)

  • Transfer to airport or train station in Naples

DAY 5

Value

  • 5 days of leadership and well-being training for lawyers - $2,500

  • Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport - $100

  • Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways - $100

  • Transportation all over the island during your stay - $150

  • Room - $850

  • Excursions around the island organized by Elizabeth Pyjov - $1,000

  • Breakfast, lunch, and five-course dinners each day - $1,200

  • Italian poetry immersion series - $450

  • Ancient Greek myths psychologically explained - $450

  • Restorative yoga on the roof, walking meditation, and mindful movement daily - $450

  • Therapeutic compassion exercises - $450

  • Short and enjoyable daily Italian lessons with Elizabeth Pyjov - $100

  • Book of Italian poetry from 50 different poets, handpicked by Elizabeth Pyjov - $70

  • Not thinking about anything and not planning - $500

  • Pleasant surprises and extras - $250

  • Returning home with greater well-being - Priceless

  • Joy and energy for months to come - Priceless

  • A new community of lawyers to support you and connections to help enhance your career - Priceless

Total: $8,620

The whole experience costs $3,700 which includes your private room and all meals.

This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free.

Here is a site that highlights the training benefits that you can share with your organization or firm.

INCLUDED

  • All activities of 5-day summit

  • Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners

  • 4 nights with a private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa

  • Delicious local wines

  • Excursions around the island

  • Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport

  • Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways

  • Transportation all over the island during your stay

  • Everything is planned for you and everything is included

  • All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day

This Team Will Welcome You


Feedback from 2024


WHAT’S UNIQUE


  • An opportunity to pause, reflect, connect to yourself , and integrate all the parts of you to achieve higher success.

  • At the crossroads of psychology, religion, neuroscience, contemplative practice, and the legal world.

  • Curated attendee list of lawyers.

  • Largely non-tourist Italian experience

  • Like living in a warm Italian family, with amazing people around the table

  • Daily meditation will help you feel alive, connected, and relaxed

  • Culture will meet professional networking, and you'll learn something new about Greek mythology and Italian poetry as well

TRAININGS


  • You'll have the opportunity to participate in daily leadership trainings

  • Trainings will span the topics of leadership of self, success for lawyers, burnout, emotional intelligence, and leadership of others.

OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK


As you enjoy your time on the island you will meet accomplished lawyers who are leaders and changemakers in the field

Curriculum


The curriculum will have 4 parts to it:

1) Leadership of self for success

2) Leadership of others

3) Neuroscience, philosophy, mythology, and poetry

4) Meditation and contemplative practice

Attendees

We already have commitments from managing partners, partners, and associates from top American law firms (including Am50) and top law firms abroad. Also joining us are judges and the Director of the Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL).

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Private Room and Bathroom - $3,700

Two Registrations for Two People Sharing A Room (option to bring a friend or partner as a +1) - $6,600 for both

For each option above, everything is included from the time we pick you up at the airport to the time you leave Ischia. There will be a 5-course dinner each day, lunch out in local restaurants, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, wine at dinner, Aperol Spritz upon arrival, leadership training, and opportunity to meet the best lawyers and leaders in the industry.

If you want to bring a significant other, family member, or friend, contact Elizabeth Pyjov at (650) 922-4262 or elizabeth@leadwithcompassion.com.

Reimbursement: Here is a site that highlights the training benefits that you can share with your organization or firm.

DETAILS

Dates: April 7 - 11, 2025

Place: Ischia in Italy, one of the most beautiful, radiant places you'll ever visit

Directions: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly to Rome and take a one hour train to Naples.

Why: A richer network of lawyers, new leadership skills, more happiness personally, more energy, more joy, and greater resilience professionally

Facilitator: Elizabeth Pyjov, JD MTS

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for lawyers is here.

If there is a plus one who wants to join you and share a room, the registration is here.

Here is a site that highlights the training benefits that you can share with your organization or firm.

The registration deadline is January 31, 2025.

This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free, if you select Affirm or Klarna at checkout at the link below. If you have questions about that, call Elizabeth Pyjov at 650-922-4262.

Register for the Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers

How to Join:

Please use the link below to register for the event.

We look forward to having you.

Feel free to call or text the event curator Elizabeth Pyjov at (650) 922-4262 or email her at elizabeth@leadwithcompassion.com if you have questions about the summit.

Photos from 2024