The first-ever State Bar-approved neurodiversity and disability implicit bias training for attorneys will be offered on Nov. 15 from noon-1 p.m. Inclusion scholar Jess Nerren, alumna and full-time lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media, will lead the discussion and training, titled “Disability and Neurodiversity for the Bar and From the Community,” which is funded by the Accelerate InSoCal iHub Neurodiversity Space grant by the Office of the Small Business Advocate under a partnership with University of California, Riverside. 

Implicit bias refers to the automatic and unconscious attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices that individuals form over time. These biases, which can be either positive or negative, influence a person's thoughts, behaviors and decisions without their conscious awareness or intention.

At the event, participants will learn about what implicit biases affect the neurodivergent community and best practices for inclusion. Typically, many bias trainings do not focus on disability inclusion, yet Nerren and her grant team, under advisement from the neurodivergent community created this training because of the need to elevate this critical topic. 

Case studies will be used to address overlooked areas of implicit bias. Offered both in person and online via Zoom, attorneys from throughout California can participate in the training and be better equipped to fully serve the populations they represent and collaborate with regularly, while earning their required California Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit for 1.0 hour of implicit bias credit. To obtain the credit, there is a $45 fee. Proceeds from the training will be used to support The Cog: Neurodiversity Center. 

For more information and to register for the training, visit the Disability and Neurodiversity for the Bar and From the Community event webpage.