Sacramento Valley ABOTA Webinar: Unconscious Bias & the Law — What Every Attorney Needs to Know

Bias—whether we realize it or not—plays a powerful role in the courtroom. It can shape how juries perceive witnesses, how judges rule on motions, and how we as attorneys interact with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel. This MCLE-accredited training is designed specifically for trial attorneys who want to sharpen their advocacy by recognizing and mitigating the impact of unconscious bias.

You’ll learn how implicit biases—automatic assumptions shaped by experience and culture—affect decision-making at every stage of litigation. We’ll explore real-world scenarios where bias enters the legal process and discuss actionable strategies for neutralizing its effects, both in yourself and in the courtroom.

The program also dives into intersectionality, revealing how overlapping identities (such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status) can compound bias in complex and often overlooked ways.

This is more than just a compliance requirement—it's an opportunity to become a more effective, ethical, and self-aware advocate.

Objectives

• Recognize implicit and cognitive biases in legal practice

• Understand the role of intersectionality in courtroom dynamics

• Apply strategies to minimize bias in courtroom settings and client interaction

• Uphold fairness and integrity in your practice

• Identify biased behaviors that may violate California Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4.1 (prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliation)

Join us on June 4 at 12:00 pm on Zoom! Cost to register is $35.

Register to attend here.