The Robert H. Jackson Center, in conjunction with the University at Buffalo School of Law, will welcome Buffalo City Court Judge Lenora B. Foote-Beavers for a free continuing legal education webinar entitled Implicit Bias and Diversity in the Legal Profession: Exploring Best Practices for Lawyers and Judges, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m.

The seminar will introduce the topic of implicit bias and offer considerations for recognizing and addressing biases that involve gender, race, sexual orientation and age. Such biases can create access and justice barriers or impact hiring, retention, promotion, and evaluation decisions. In addition, the seminar will discuss business advantages and other positive impacts of diversity in the legal profession. Participants earn a total of 1.5 NYS CLE non-transitional credits (Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias). Attorneys admitted two years or less cannot earn diversity credits. Legal practitioners and the public are welcome to attend this event.

“We all struggle with implicit biases. It is important to be aware of how they can present, in order to recognize and correct those behaviors,” said Kristan McMahon, RHJC president. “We’re pleased to continue educating the community on this important topic as we approach the end of this year’s programming theme: “The Other-Through Your Eyes.”

Foote-Beavers began her term in Buffalo City Court on Jan. 1, 2020. She is assigned to the Domestic Violence Part. She previously served as the executive assistant/chief of staff to the presiding justice of the state Fourth Department Appellate Division, Gerald J. Whalen. Foote-Beavers was the first African-American and first Buffalonian to hold the position. She handled various court management responsibilities including the analysis of complex court operations, monitored personnel issues, assisted with budget preparation and allocations, managed special projects, and monitored the operations and efficiencies of the three judicial districts (22 counties) encompassing the Fourth Department. She is also an adjunct professor in the Paralegal Department at Erie Community College, teaching Family Law and Constitutional Law.

Registration is required. Visit www.roberthjackson.org/event/free-cle-implicit-bias-and-diversity-in-the-legal-profession-exploring-best-practices-for-lawyers-and-judges to register or call 483-6646. The program is made possible through donors to the Robert H. Jackson Center.