Introduction to Unconscious Bias

3.5 hours verifiable CPD

This course offers legal professionals the opportunity to explore how unconscious bias unfolds within the legal sector, and importantly, what can be done about it in practice.

Developed and facilitated in partnership with Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, Founder of Diversity+, the session draws on the latest findings from the Profile of the Profession report by the Law Society of Scotland. With over 20 years of experience in the Scottish legal sector, Naeema brings deep insight into the systemic challenges and the opportunities to support meaningful change across the profession.

Together, we will unpack the characteristics and patterns that show how bias can influence decision-making, workplace culture, and career progression in legal environments.

What to Expect: 

Through guided discussion, profession wide data, and practical scenarios, the session will explore:

• How unconscious bias manifests in practice
• An in depth look at bias around protected characteristics such as sex, race, disability, sexual orientation and age
• Insights from legal sector-specific data highlighting key statistics and challenges
• Practical tools to recognise, reflect on, and reduce the impact of bias
• Looking forward – what might this mean for the future of the profession

This is a reflective, action-focused session designed to provide participants with tangible approaches they can apply immediately within their teams, firms, and wider professional practices.