Jess Nerren, alumna and full-time lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media
For the first time in California’s history, attorneys will have access to a State Bar-approved training dedicated to addressing implicit bias toward neurodivergent and disabled individuals. This groundbreaking session, titled “Disability and Neurodiversity for the Bar and From the Community,” will be held on November 15 from noon to 1 p.m., led by inclusion scholar and CSUSB alumna Jess Nerren. As a full-time lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media, Nerren is uniquely positioned to deliver this essential training, blending her academic expertise and lived experience with an understanding of legal and societal inclusivity needs.
The training, funded by the Accelerate InSoCal iHub Neurodiversity Space grant through a partnership with the University of California, Riverside and the Office of the Small Business Advocate, aims to fill a significant gap in legal education. Traditional bias trainings often overlook the unique challenges and biases faced by the neurodivergent and disabled communities. Recognizing this, Nerren and her grant team, guided by insights from the neurodivergent community, have developed a program that sheds light on the pervasive, often overlooked biases that influence decision-making and interactions within the legal profession.
What to Expect from the Training
During the session, participants will gain a deep understanding of implicit bias, exploring how unconscious attitudes and stereotypes shape their perceptions and interactions. The course will delve into the biases specific to the neurodivergent and disabled communities—an area that has historically received minimal attention in legal contexts. Through carefully selected case studies, attendees will examine real-world scenarios that highlight how implicit biases manifest in professional settings, especially in law, and impact the lives of those with disabilities.
The training goes beyond mere awareness, equipping attorneys with actionable strategies and best practices for fostering an inclusive environment. Attendees will learn how to challenge and mitigate their own biases, making them not only more effective in their practice but also better advocates for equality and fairness. By addressing these blind spots, attorneys can improve their service to clients and contribute to a more inclusive legal system.
The significance of this training extends beyond compliance with California’s MCLE requirements. By earning their 1.0 hour of implicit bias credit, participants are actively contributing to a broader movement toward inclusivity and understanding in the legal field. This training is especially timely given the growing recognition of neurodiversity and disability rights, both in the workplace and in society at large. By equipping lawyers to recognize and counteract biases, this program aims to set a new standard for ethical, empathetic, and effective legal representation. The training also has a philanthropic component. With a registration fee of $45, proceeds will directly support The Cog: Neurodiversity Center, an initiative dedicated to advancing resources and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. This center plays a vital role in advocating for neurodiversity inclusion and providing community-based support and programming. By participating, attorneys are not only investing in their own professional growth but also supporting a cause that aims to build a more inclusive society for all.
Jess Nerren’s work is setting a precedent for future legal training by advocating for comprehensive inclusivity in areas that have long been marginalized. Her approach, developed through consultations with neurodivergent voices and disability advocates, ensures that this program addresses the actual needs and challenges of those it aims to support. This training is a step toward a legal profession where inclusivity is embedded in every interaction, decision, and policy, making California a leader in inclusive legal education.
This opportunity is open to attorneys statewide, and the event will be accessible both in person and via Zoom, allowing for widespread participation. By attending this session, attorneys can become part of a transformative shift in the legal field, gaining tools that will benefit their practice, their clients, and the communities they serve. Attorneys across California are encouraged to join this landmark training and be part of a movement that recognizes the importance of neurodiversity and disability inclusion. For more information and to register, please visit the Disability and Neurodiversity for the Bar and From the Community event webpage. This training is more than a professional development requirement—it’s a chance to be part of a future where legal professionals lead with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to justice for all.
4o
