This course explores the science of decision-making and the unconscious biases that influence legal reasoning and advocacy. Participants will examine the biology and psychology behind choices, including heuristics, issue-framing, and the impact of emotion and cognition. The course covers key biases such as self-serving bias, confirmation bias, and epistemic closure, as well as strategies to prevent bias, manage cognitive stress, and effectively communicate to third parties. Through an analysis of professional judicial training, decision-making frameworks, and techniques to challenge misperceptions, attendees will gain practical tools to enhance objective reasoning and persuasive advocacy.
Attorney at Law, Board Certified in Civil Trial and Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization; LawPay’s Director of Education, Ethics, and State Compliance.
Claude E. Ducloux is an attorney licensed in Texas, Colorado, and California who speaks nationally on legal ethics, law office management, and trial-related topics. In 2011, he won the highest statewide award from the State Bar of Texas for lifetime contribution to CLE and has been invited to speak in more than 500 programs since January 1, 2016. Claude has served as course director and creator of numerous CLE institutes and advanced courses.
Mr. Ducloux has a long legacy of bar service, including being President of the Austin Bar Association, and serving as Chair of almost every major bar-related entity, as well as the Texas Bar Foundation. He is a board-certified civil trial and appellate attorney in Texas.