Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers
Ischia, Italy
April 1 - 5, 2025
Welcome to an empowering, immersive journey to help lawyers grow their happiness and well-being, while becoming stronger leaders.
The Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers is an exclusive invite-only event for lawyers that offers engaging sessions and practical workshops while building in time for cultural experiences, enjoyment, and networking to develop personal and professional relationships. Former lawyers and retired lawyers are also invited!
It will lead to memorable time in nature, beautiful hikes, delicious meals, contacts to enhance your career, and the opportunity to build genuine friendships in the field.
Get ready to enhance your leadership abilities, reap the benefits of an authentic Italian experience, and learn to drive positive change in the legal profession through compassion.
Participate in leadership training, learn to work through professional challenges, visit the best sites of Ischia, and leave with lasting memories of a part of Italy that is largely untouched by tourists!
CLE Credits Will Be Applied For
You'll experience transformative leadership training and gain connections to enhance your career for decades to come.
WHAT
This unique 5-day Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers gives lawyers 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. There will be many healing experience here.
It’s an all-inclusive experience in an italian paradise for 5 days which includes:
Connections to leaders in the legal field
Small town authentic Italian life for 5 days
Lunches out in restaurants on the island
5-course dinners every night
Wine tasting
Boat ride on the Mediterranean sea
Soaking in thermal baths at the hotel
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 tourists for the most part 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– 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.
Unique well-being, leadership, and networking experience in a beautiful setting
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
Meditation session 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
Leadership of self session
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 3: Happiness for Lawyers
Self-Compassion Meditation
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Boat ride on the Mediterranean
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 4: Leadership of Self and Others
Interactive Leadership Training
Walk through the town of Lacco Ameno
Drinks on the rooftop terrace
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 5: Compassion in the Legal Field
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
Certification Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion
J.D. Harvard Law School
MTS Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree
New York City Bar Committee Member
Experience working with the teams at Baker McKenzie, Carlyle Group, Columbia Medical School, Deutsche Bank, Library of Congress, the New York State Supreme Court, Novartis, Ropes & Gray LLP, & Warby Parker
“We envision a place and time where very high achieving lawyers can relax, enjoy, connect, and learn.”
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.
Elizabeth Pyjov's clients include Columbia Law School, The Carlyle Group, Bessemer Ventures, the Library of Congress, Ropes & Gray, Weil Gotshal, Perkins Coie, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Supreme Court.
“I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.”
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 on days 2, 3, and 4 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
Italian poetry series
Mindfulness Meditation Practice
Introduction to the History and Mythology of the Island of Ischia
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 cappuccino
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
Discover the mythology of Ischia
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 cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
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 $3,950 which includes your private room and all meals.
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
Curated attendee list of lawyers.
Limited registration numbers
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, Leadership of Others, as well as Compassion and Self-Compassion
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
2) Leadership of others
3) Philosophy, mythology, history, and poetry
4) Mentoring
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Private Room and Bathroom - $3,950
Two Registrations for Two People Sharing A Room (option to bring your significant other) - $7,400
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.
DETAILS
Dates: April 1 - 5, 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
The event fee is $3,950. Usually, $2,500 is covered by a lawyer’s law firm or organization.
If you want to bring along a significant other or friend, the event fee is $3,200 for them if you share a room.
Fill in the form below to apply to receive registration.
HOW TO APPLY
“Successful lawyers, like successful people in all walks of life, are lifelong learners who never stop growing.”
Participate in the Leadership and Well-Being Summit for Lawyers
How to Join
Contact Elizabeth Pyjov at (650) 922-4262 or email her at elizabeth@leadwithcompassion.com if you have questions about the summit.
You can sign up here:
A payment plan is also possible.
