Skip to main content

Me? Biased? Implicit bias and decision-making: Understanding the science and improving our own decisions

On Demand

Every lawyer believes they’re objective. Science says otherwise.

This on-demand CLE dives into the biology and psychology behind how we actually make decisions. You’ll explore implicit bias, confirmation bias, and the forces shaping judgment in legal practice, then walk away with practical tools to improve how you evaluate facts, people, and outcomes.

If you make decisions for a living, this course changes how you think about thinking.

This course is eligible for 1.0 CLE credit. Registrants can access the credit tab in the CE21 registration link to see if their state is listed.

Watch now

  • CED
    By Claude Ducloux
CED

What you’ll learn at this webinar

  • Explain the biology and psychology behind decision-making

  • Identify common forms of implicit and explicit bias that affect legal judgment

  • Recognize confirmation bias and how it influences case assessment and strategy

  • Understand the backfire effect and why facts alone don’t change beliefs

  • Spot manipulation techniques like fear messaging and astroturfing

  • Apply reframing techniques to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives

  • Use practical strategies to reduce bias in your own decisions

  • Communicate more effectively when dealing with biased reasoning in others

Your brain isn’t wired for neutral decisions

The legal profession prizes logic, analysis, and rational judgment. But neuroscience tells us that every decision you make is influenced by unconscious processes shaped by experience, emotion, and mental shortcuts.

This course breaks down how the frontal lobe and the so-called lizard brain work together in decision-making. You’ll see how heuristics save time but quietly introduce bias, and why even experienced attorneys can fall into predictable judgment traps.

Understanding these forces is the first step to reducing their impact.

Bias shows up in courtrooms, conference rooms, and case strategy

Implicit bias isn’t just a social issue. It affects client intake, credibility assessments, settlement strategy, jury perception, and trial decisions.

Through real-world legal examples, including research on attorney evaluations and case framing, this CLE shows how confirmation bias, the backfire effect, and group identity shape outcomes. You’ll also learn why simply adding more information doesn’t change minds and what actually helps when beliefs harden instead of shifting.

Better awareness leads to better advocacy.

Frequently asked questions

Is this CLE webinar available on demand?

Yes. This webinar is available on demand, so you can watch it at a time that works best for your schedule.

Is this program eligible for CLE credit?

Yes. This on-demand program qualifies for CLE credit. Credit eligibility and requirements may vary by jurisdiction, so be sure to review your state’s specific rules for on-demand CLEs.

Can I start and stop the webinar, or watch it in multiple sittings?

Yes. On-demand access allows you to pause, rewind, and return to the program as needed.

Who should watch this webinar?

Whether you’re in the courtroom, the boardroom, or advising clients every day, this CLE is designed to meet you where you are.

Do I need to complete anything to receive CLE credit?

Yes. You must watch the entire program to receive CLE credit. The webinar includes attendance prompts throughout to verify participation.

Bias doesn’t mean bad intent. It means being human.

This CLE helps you recognize how decisions are really made, challenge assumptions, and improve judgment in the moments that matter most. Strong advocacy starts with clear thinking.

Watch now

Presenter
CED

Claude Ducloux