Conscious Inclusion: How Lawyers Can Eliminate Bias to Achieve Better Outcomes

It’s not enough to aim for increased diversity. Organizations only fully realize the benefits of their diversity when they are inclusive. When members feel included, they’re more engaged. And higher engagement has an effect on efficiency, morale, and retention. People working in inclusive groups also tend to have better physical and mental health. This engaging and energizing presentation discusses ways to create an environment where curiosity about differences is encouraged and inclusion is the responsibility of everyone. And this presentation discusses the latest research on HOW to ensure that your organization is inclusive, including practical advice for running inclusive meetings, giving non-biased feedback, and hosting inclusive events.   

This program will explore why the legal profession is the least diverse. It will foster a discussion as to why the legal profession in particular may struggle with unconscious bias. Why does it matter? Research on jury verdicts as well as diversity on the bench and its affect on perceived legitimacy of the legal profession as a whole is impacted.