From Assumptions to Insight: Understanding Clients for a Better Working Relationship

This session explores how implicit and explicit biases operate in legal practice, from case assessment to courtroom strategies. Participants will examine the neuroscience behind mental shortcuts and learn why recognizing bias is essential to fulfilling ethical obligations of competence and independent judgment.

Attorneys will develop techniques for active listening and transparent communication with clients who may harbor distrust of the legal system. This session addresses how trauma manifests in legal settings and strategies for building trust despite power dynamics.

A short intermission allowing participants to refresh before continuing with communication strategies. Use this time to reflect on concepts discussed in the previous sessions.

Building on Part I, this session focuses on managing client expectations, addressing concerns beyond immediate legal matters, and navigating communication challenges in fast-moving cases. Participants will learn practical approaches for honoring clients as whole people while meeting case requirements.

This session examines how failure to properly assess clients can violate ABA Model Rules related to competence, diligence, and communication. Participants will learn systemic approaches for building bias awareness into practice and creating workplace cultures that normalize conversations about bias.