ABA Diversity Commission Launches Webcast Learning Series with Program on Removing Bias from Lawyer Evaluations

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2009— As law firms balance personnel decisions in light of the economic downturn, removing potential bias from performance evaluations becomes even more critical to both law firm managers and those being evaluated.  That process is the subject of the lead program in the new American Bar Association Presidential Diversity Program Series, “Strategies for Success,” to be webcast live Oct. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST.

“Removing Bias from Attorney Evaluations” is sponsored by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, and will launch a series of three webcast programs under the Presidential Diversity Commission that ABA President Carolyn Lamm created at the start of her term in August.  The Oct. 16 program is scheduled to be presented to a live audience at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

“Especially in today’s economic environment, attorney evaluations are more critical than ever.  Firms may use ‘performance’ as a basis for termination or reduced compensation, and therefore it is imperative that evaluations be free of bias,” said Bobbi Liebenberg, chair of the Commission on Women in the Profession. 

“Evaluations play a big role in the advancement, retention and promotion of attorneys.  Yet, too often, implicit or hidden bias can undermine the effectiveness of a law firm’s evaluation system.  Improving the evaluation process will ensure that all associates—including those who are women, minorities, persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities, and persons with disabilities—will be afforded the opportunity to work on complex matters for important clients and a variety of partners; and enhance their legal and business development skills,” said Liebenberg.

Joining Liebenberg on the program will be representatives of three ABA entities co-sponsoring the Oct. 16 program:  Paulette Brown of the ABA Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, James J. S. Holmes of the ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Charles S. Brown of the ABA Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law.   Also on the faculty is Linda Chanow, assistant director of the Project for Attorney Retention at the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California Hastings College of the Law.

This highly interactive program will include a discussion of the current research, provide case studies to demonstrate the subtle ways in which hidden bias can affect evaluations, and include concrete and useful suggestions and strategies for implementing fair and neutral evaluation systems.  This program is designed for law firm managers, partners involved in the evaluation process and associates.

Viewing opportunities have been arranged at several law firms and bar associations around the country, and other firms. Corporate legal departments and bar associations are welcome to host viewing sessions as well.  For a flat fee of $250, an unlimited number of attendees can observe the program and obtain continuing legal education credit at a viewing station.  Individuals also can register to view the program from their own computers, and obtain CLE credit for a $25 fee for ABA members or a $45 fee for non-members of the ABA.  A full description of the program and registration information are available online at www.abacle.org/programs/t09rbf1.html. 

Other programs in the series will address “Smart Soloing:  Success Strategies for Diverse Lawyers,” and “What Law School Didn’t Teach You:  Self-Advocacy for Survival and Sustainability.”  These programs will unlock the secrets of success in law firms for diverse lawyers who might not have mentoring or other opportunities to gain an understanding of law firm cultures, and also will be useful for lawyers in law firms or those seeking to network with lawyers practicing in their communities or specialties.  Information about the programs in the series is available at www.abacle.org/diversityseries.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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