BREAKING IMPLICIT BIAS

Earn Your Implicit Bias
CLE Credit

Approved for California MCLE Credit for:
  • Recognition and Elimination of Bias
  • Implicit Bias
  • Self Paced
  • Online
  • On Your Own Schedule
  • Participatory Credit.

Course Offerings

A three-course CLE series that draws on recent cross disciplinary research (Law + Psychology + Narrative Theory + Sociology) and real world examples to apply narrative strategies to strengthen legal cases.

Each course is self-contained and earns you the Recognition and Elimination of Bias credit or Implicit Bias credit you need — take one or all three.

Learn to create powerful client-centered stories that reshape perspectives and drive better legal outcomes. 

- Cost for each course is $55 -


Course One:
Leveraging Narratives to Counteract Implicit Bias in the Legal System

  • Develop client-centered narratives that humanize individuals and challenge common stereotypes.
  • Apply evidence-based storytelling strategies to shift implicit perceptions and biases.
  • Recognize and address blind spot bias in legal professionals and institutional systems, as well as key decision points where bias can influence outcomes.

- COMING SOON -
Course Two:

Building Stronger Legal Cases with Thorough, Powerful Storytelling

  • Challenge reductionist interpretations of client risk and potential by distinguishing between static and dynamic risk factors.
  • Spot how implicit bias can drive poor program placements, and use narrative to argue for a better fit.
  • Develop interview techniques to uncover the complexity and critical context of a case.
  • Explore how to build legal stories that cut through implicit bias, resonate with decision-makers, and challenge one-dimensional portrayals.

- COMING SOON -
Course Three:

The Strategic Use of Community and Expert Voices

  • Explore the use of credible expert testimony to present social, psychological, and cultural context.
  • Leverage system navigators and community partners to strengthen client advocacy.
  • Foster trust and transparency to help clients share their stories fully and safely.

Instructors

Professor Matthew Claire, PhD

Stanford sociologist focused on legal inequality, racial justice, and the role of narrative in the legal process.

Hon. Judge Mark W. Bennett

Former U.S. District Court Judge; expert on implicit bias, judicial reform, and sentencing discretion.

Prof. Leticia Saucedo

UC Davis law professor specializing in labor and immigration law, with emphasis on advocacy for marginalized workers.

Shawn Marsh, PhD

Social/legal psychologist and a former judicial educator with deep expertise in trauma-informed justice and decision-making bias.

Jennie Singer, PhD

Clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in trauma, neurodivergence, and psychological mitigation in criminal sentencing. Former professor of criminal justice and expert in mental health in correctional settings.

Omkari Williams

Narrative strategist, facilitator, and coach with over 30 years of experience helping advocates use story to advance equity and systemic change.

Shari Rusk, Attorney

Veteran criminal defense attorney with 30 years of experience. Former law clerk to a U.S. Court of Appeals Chief Judge and active advocate for justice in complex felony cases.

Toni White, J.D.

Criminal defense and appellate attorney with expertise in federal and juvenile justice, with a strong record of indigent defense and systemic advocacy across trial and appellate courts.

Rebecca Grace, Complete Picture CEO

Founder of a nonprofit dedicated to humanizing defendants through personalized sentencing videos. She brings over 20 years of experience in documentary editing, visual storytelling, and narrative mitigation.