Recent News

February 16, 2007

Race and gender in the trial context

The Columbus Bar, in association with the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, presents “Race and Gender in Trial Practice” on Friday, March 9 at the Columbus Bar offices from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for 4.25 hours of CLE credit..

“This seminar is the product of many months of preparation among some excellent trial attorneys, judges and trial consultants with national reputations,” said moderator H. Lee Thompson, chair of the Minority Caucus of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers. “It represents a unique first-of-it's-kind collaborative effort for the Ohio Academy and Columbus Bar Association on this program, and we appreciate their interest and energy in working with us to bring forth an opportunity to support justice for all in today's courtroom on issues of race and gender that are not often discussed in trial practice. I hope that this collaborative effort will continue on the part of both groups on diversity issues.”

The event will feature an NAACP update with Noel Williams, president of the Columbus chapter of the NAACP, in addition to a host of trial topics dealing with race and gender. Staci Yandle of East St. Louis and American Association of Justice Chair of the Women Trial Lawyer Caucus will discuss voir dire when ethnic or gender bias is a concern. Ann T. Greeley of DecisionQuest will present courtroom diversity, including credibility, composition and context, as well as discuss diversity issues and why this issue is difficult to interpret in the trial context.

Lunch will be provided for those pre-registered and will feature a gathering with invited Ohio judges.

The afternoon session features Frederick M. Gittes, Gittes & Schulte, for an update for HB 300 and a discussion of civil rights victories and defeats. Handling motions of summary judgment will be covered by Jason A. Blue, Blue Wilson + Blue, while hearings and jury selection in civil matters before the court will be presented by John S. Marshall, Marshall and Morrow. Harvey A. Moore of Trial Practices in Tampa will wrap up the day with his discussion of how the complexion of the courtroom is changing, giving perspective to both plaintiff and defense attorneys in terms of preparing for trial litigation.

All litigation attorneys, judges, magistrates and anyone representing individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds will profit from this seminar. Register online at www.cbalaw.org or phone 614/221.4112 for event # 3670. The cost is $195 prepaid/$205 day of for OATL and Columbus Bar members, $235 prepaid/$245 day of for non-members and $115 prepaid/$125 day of for paralegals.