REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. IF YOU WOULD STILL LIKE TO ATTEND, PLEASE BRING $65 (CASH ONLY) TO THE REGISTRATION DESK ON WEDNESDAY.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
UNCONSCIOIUS BIAS: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THROUGH AWARENESS
with Presenter Sylvia F. James, Diversity Counsel for Baker Botts, LLP
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. ** New Member Orientation starts at 11:15
Agenda:
11 - 11:30 Registration with New Member Orientation at 11:15, and Lunch
11:45 - Announcements
12 - 2:00 - Speaker Presentation and Closing, Raffle
Location: AILA Conference Center, 1331 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
HRCI Credit: 2.0 General (may be amended)
What is Unconscious Bias? In this enthralling program, you will learn to recognize and understand the root causes of bias in the workplace and everyday interactions. This 2-hour workshop will be conducted by Sylvia James, Diversity Counsel, Baker Botts LLP. The objectives of the workshop are to introduce the concept of unconscious bias; explore the evidence that all of us hold implicit biases; examine the impact of unconscious bias decisions in recruiting, work assignments and performance evaluations; and provide steps for minimizing and correcting unconscious bias. Expand your knowledge and sign up now!
Sylvia F. James is the Diversity Counsel for the law firm of Baker Botts L.L.P. As Diversity Counsel, Ms. James' works closely with the Recruiting and Development Department, Client Relations Department, Human Resources Department, and Diversity Committee to develop and implement the Firm’s diversity initiatives; strategizes and advises the Firm with respect to diversity initiatives; monitors and analyzes the Firm’s trends in recruitment, development, and retention of women and minorities; works closely with the affinity groups; serves as liaison with clients and external organizations dedicated to fostering diversity in the legal profession; conducts diversity training; advises on internal and external communications relating to diversity; serves as the Firm's Affirmative Action Administrator; and manages the Firm’s Supplier Diversity Program.
Prior to joining Baker Botts, Ms. James was Senior Counsel at the law firm of Holland & Knight in Washington, D.C., specializing in corporate diversity counseling and labor and employment law. In that role, she conducted diversity compliance reviews for various government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to determine legal vulnerability to employment discrimination threats and litigation and to assess and ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws. She developed comprehensive diversity action plans for improving clients' diversity programs, performance, and profiles. She also conducted diversity, equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment training, and defended companies in employment discrimination litigation. Before joining Holland & Knight, she was an associate at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. She earned her law degree from the Duke University School of Law and a bachelor of arts in political science from Vassar College.
