"No Love in an Elevator"- Understanding (and Caring About!) the Impact of Implicit Bias in the Practice of Law

One of the most significant, yet perhaps neglected, aspects of practicing law in the 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, such as race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation etc. Even the simplest of encounters can often leave lawyers, paralegals or clients themselves feeling confused, frustrated, offended, or seriously hurt-even when everyone involved began with the best of intentions.

This program, which is Part 1 of a three part series, tackles the tricky subject of "implicit bias" (or "unconscious bias") in the practice of law. Poignant film vignettes will serve as the catalyst for interactive discussions among a roundtable of experienced practitioners that will help to shine a light on the harm of implicit bias, both for individuals and the organizations in which they serve. 

Participants will also come away with practical strategies for identifying and mitigating the effects of implicit biases.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify implicit biases and understand specifically how they show up or operate in your law firm, legal department, governmental agency, or other legal services provider

2. Recognize the potential risks, costs, and other consequences of unchecked implicit biases and cumulative indignities, for both individuals and your law firm or organization as a whole

3. Discuss the tangible benefits that law firms and other legal services providers can gain from practical and sustained efforts to identify and reduce the impact of implicit biases

4. Employ practical tools for catching implicit biases as they arise and limiting their impact within your law firm or other organization