Illumination of Bias: Practical Strategies for Recognizing and Reducing Implicit Bias in the Practice of Law (or the Workplace)

One of the most significant aspects of doing business in an increasingly global economy (as well as communities that grow more multi-ethnic and multicultural each day) is the challenge of sustained interaction between people who are different from us in various ways. Even the simplest of encounters can often leave all parties, including clients and customers, feeling confused, frustrated, offended, or (worst of all) seriously hurt—even when everyone involved began with the best of intentions. Specifically, in the legal realm, the adoption and promotion of Rule 8.4 (g) of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which adds harassment and discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, etc. to the types of sanctionable professional misconduct, make it imperative that lawyers and paralegals learn to identify their blind spots in this tricky area.

This lively, interactive workshop explores cross-cultural interactions and the ways that so-called "implicit" or unconscious biases that we all have can affect how we interact with each other. Participants will explore the ways that implicit biases may show up, the impact they can have, the sources from which they arise, and best practices for mitigating their effects. We use clips from three of our original films to illustrate the issues and encourage discussion. Accordingly, this program is ideal for recording if desired.