As lawyers, we are ethically required to work to improve: the law, access to the legal system and the administration of justice. Many would argue that the impact of race is one of the most pressing issues our legal system faces. But its hard to address issues of race because they are so complex, include elements of implicit bias, and often invoke intense feelings (overwhelm, anger, shame, guilt, and/or helplessness). The difficulties can prevent us from fulfilling our ethical and even moral obligation to act.

This 3.0 elimination of bias credit (to be applied for) CLE reviews some tools that can help us meaningfully engage, including:

Identifying our core values

Furthering our understanding of our implicit bias and how we can address it

Remembering the skills of listening (to further learning)

Remembering the skills of speaking respectfully (to further understanding).

Participants will be better equipped to have meaningful conversations with clients and colleagues about race and racism and better able to fulfill attorney ethical responsibilities.

Important Notes:

1. This CLE includes 1.0 hour of on-demand CLE credit work on ones own prior to the in-person presentation:

Watch The House We Live In video regarding redlining

Take the Harvard University Implicit Bias Assessment and review your results and FAQ

2. For the purposes of discussion this CLE will assume (and not be discussing) the following about race and racism: People of color do not have equal access to justice or resources. All human beings have some unconscious bias. Unconscious racial bias is a natural consequence of growing up in this society. (We didnt ask to have it!) While racism today isnt our fault, it is a pressing human rights issue that we have an ethical and moral obligation to address. Addressing racism effectively requires that we explicitly identify and connect with our own values related to justice and equity.

Register: https://vln.formstack.com/forms/race