The Civility Center for Law is committed to developing innovative CLE/CJE seminars, as well as custom presentations and other programs, to integrate civility more fully into the legal profession. In addition to our other distinguished staff and consultants, presenters at our seminars have included Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst and Justices Steven González and Mary Yu, as well as internationally renowned negotiation and mediation expert Professor Guiseppe de Palo.
Read more about the Civility Center's previous events below, or browse by category using the menu.
Intensive CLE/CJE seminars created for legal professionals offered in the United States and Italy.
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Custom presentations and strategies designed to increase civility in law firms and other organizations of legal professionals.
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September 13, 2016
Seattle, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert's Fund, gave a presentation titled Fostering Civility in Law School and the Legal Profession for the University of Washington School of Law orientation program. This presentation was given to the entire entering class of the law school.
September 13, 2016
Seattle, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert's Fund, gave a presentation titled Civility in Negotiations for the King County Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution. The keynote presentation focused on civility in negotiations.
August 12–14, 2016
Philadelphia, PA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert's Fund and Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert's Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development, gave a presentation titled Practical Tools for Promoting a More Civil Approach to Child Welfare Law for the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC).
This was a break-out session for a national-level conference for child welfare advocates. There were approximately 50 attorneys in attendance.
Comments from participants included:
“I really related to the idea that [we] have a special responsibility for the quality of justice.”
“Civility matters, not just by being nice, but by being aware.”
August 3, 2016
Lake Forest Park, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert's Fund gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession for the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club.
This one-hour presentation to the Rotary Club focused on the need for organizations like the Rotary Club to embrace and help foster civility.
July 26, 2016
Seattle, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert's Fund and Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert's Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development, presented a live webcast on fostering civility in the legal profession for the Washington State Bar Association.
This 1.5-hour webcast-only event had one of the highest attendances of any Legal Lunchbox event with over 1600 registered attendees! The monthly series is targeted at members of the Washington State Bar Association.
Comments from participants included:
“I found the social and psychological research discussed as to the effects of incivility and its contagious nature to be incredibly informative. This was a particularly timely topic given the vitriolic tone of the current political campaigns.”
“Any discussion about civility is difficult because most persons, including myself, consider themselves to be civil and do not need a "Ms. Manners" refresher course. I found that the material was presented in a fresh, thoughtful manner. This presentation played to my bias in favor of speakers who present evidence based information.”
“Excellent content; of critical importance to the profession; well-presented, with a good balance of moral, practical, and philosophical considerations”
“I think every WA lawyer should be required to view this webinar – seemingly common sense approaches that unfortunately get forgotten. Really great presentation!”
July 13, 2016
Michigan, USA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert’s Fund, gave a presentation on civility in higher education to the Educational Leadership Intensive Summer Program at Central Michigan University.
Twenty graduate students convened for this one-hour skype presentation on the importance of civility in our educational systems and on ways we can work to foster civility.
June 10, 2016
Tacoma, WA
Presenter: Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development for Robert’s Fund
This one-hour presentation was given as part of a monthly continuing-education series for Pro Tem Commissioners. There were approximately 30 pro tem judicial officers in attendance.
June 2–3, 2016
Yakima, WA
Presenter: Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development for Robert’s Fund
The Court Improvement Training Academy (CITA) at the University of Washington School of Law host bi-annual trainings for judicial officers in Washington State. They are provided to small groups, in this case 25 judicial officers, to help promote depth of understanding of the topics. This one-hour presentation was part of a larger framework being developed by CITA for developing courts that promote resilience in children, families, and professionals. The model has attracted national attention and is outlined in an article by CITA director Rob Wyman that directly notes Robert’s Fund’s work in promoting civility in the courts as an integral part of the model. The article will be published in the upcoming edition of the Juvenile and Family Court Journal.
May 2–3, 2016
Spokane, WA
Presenter: Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development for Robert’s Fund
The Children’s Justice Conference is a large, multi-disciplinary conference for professionals involved in the child welfare legal system across Washington State. This 1.5-hour break out session consisted of a group of approximately 40 judges, lawyers, social workers, and other child welfare law professionals.
Comments from session participants included:
“Fantastic session that allowed me to step back and think about what is important in the legal profession.”
“Would like to see more people take this training!”
“Funny, quick pace, quick wit – no time to be bored.”
“Even though I am in education, 99% of this session will be used by me in the classroom and with my colleagues. Thank you! Excellent presentation skills with a variety of methods.”
“Exceptionally well done!! Change my view of attorneys and gave me some good tips in moving forward with empathy and facing bias. Thank you, you're a great presenter.”
“Best session of the conference.”
January 29, 2016
The Big Picture School
Bellevue, WA
Presenter: Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert’s Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development
This one-hour presentation was to approximately 30 high-school students. The focus was on how implicit bias impacts civility and decisions in the law.
January 26, 2016
InVigor Law
Seattle, WA
Presenter: Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert’s Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development
InVigor is a small boutique firm of 6 lawyers. This presentation was an hour-and-a-half discussion with the firm about how to promote civility within the profession, with a focus on issues stemming from cross-generation issues in the practice of law.
December 2015
Washington State Bar Administrative Law Section
SeaTac, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert’s Fund, gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession to the Washington State Bar Administrative Law Section.
October 29, 2015
The 8th Annual Negotiation Nuts & Bolts Conference
Seattle, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor Emerita of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert’s Fund, gave a presentation on fostering civility in the context of negotiation and mediation at the 8th Annual Negotiation Nuts & Bolts Conference.
October 27, 2015
Attorney General’s Office Ethics Continuing Legal Education
Tumwater, WA
Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert’s Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development, gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession to the Attorney General’s Office Ethics Continuing Legal Education.
October 10, 2015
American Judges Association Conference/Washington State Judges Fall Conference
Seattle, WA
Mary E. Fairhurst, Justice, Washington State Supreme Court; Consultant for Robert’s Fund gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession to the American Judges Association Conference/Washington State Judges Fall Conference.
What participants had to say about this program:
"Excellent session because it was applicable no matter what jurisdiction or type of court.”
“These skills will give me food for thought in assessing myself and others.”
“Gave me some new ideas regarding working with judges / attorneys.”
October 3–11, 2015
Robert’s Fund would like to thank all who came to historic and beautiful Sovana for this 8-day seminar on civility in the legal profession.
The seminar included lectures, discussions, and interactive exercises designed to foster civility, complemented by guided excursions through the nearby villages and beautiful countryside.
What participants had to say about the seminar:
"The program could not have been executed better. Course materials facilitated pretty much immediate bonding of the group, resulting in thought provoking discussion and personal growth consistent with the goals of the program."
"What else can be said about Paula except “Awesome and Inspiring”. She is so real and approachable and her delivery is with such passion for civility. She is a natural wonder…"
"Craig was fantastic, a lovely person as well as a wise and insightful facilitator. I looked forward to all of his presentations, he has a gentle strength, deep honesty and a clear way to communicate material. "
"Tim has an amazing presence while speaking. His comments are thought provoking and his delivery is wonderful."
"I would recommend this program…it was dynamic, inclusive, and excellent in too many ways to express."
"Truly a visionary program."
Robert’s Fund offers these intensive seminars in Italy every spring and fall. Learn more about upcoming seminars in Italy
September 8, 2015
Skagit County Bar Association CLE
Mount Vernon, WA
Paula Lustbader, Professor of Law, Seattle University School of Law; President of Robert’s Fund, gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession to the Skagit County Bar Association.
August 27, 2015
The 38th National Child Welfare, Juvenile, and Family Law Conference
Monterey, CA
Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert’s Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development; Paula Lustbader, Professor Emeritus of Law, Seattle University School of Law, and President of Robert’s Fund; and Andrew Yost, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Association of Counsel for Children, gave a presentation on promoting civility in the child welfare system at the 38th National Child Welfare, Juvenile, and Family Law Conference.
August 7, 2015
6.75 CLE ethics credits
Lawyers and judges promote justice when they address biases and assumptions effectively. Two integral components of civility are being aware of our own biases and assumptions and being able to respond to those of others. Our past experiences and cultural backgrounds influence how we operate in the world. Everyone has biases and assumptions; we need them to survive. But problems arise when we act without taking time to examine these assumptions and how they impact the way we operate in the world. Likewise, the assumptions and biases of others can have a significant impact on the choices available to us in a given situation. Developing skills to navigate these situations effectively can promote a more civil and just legal system.
What participants had to say about this program:
"So powerful and well done, I'm amazed at the structure and dialogue created around an overwhelming topic."
"Thank you very much for an amazing CLE! Paula, Craig and Justice Gonzales are wonderful inspiring speakers."
"This is probably the most important topic for humanity today. Thank you all for tackling this issue."
"Really great and pertinent information. It can allow me to be a better attorney and person."
"I plan to have more conversations about civility and implicit bias with my co-workers, in an effort to grow the conversation."
August 5, 2015
Washington State Department of Health CLE
Tumwater, WA
Tim Jaasko-Fisher, Robert’s Fund Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Development, gave a presentation on fostering civility in the legal profession to the Washington State Department of Health.
View the readings and resources for this seminar.
What participants had to say about this program:
“One of the best speakers I’ve heard AND great content!”
“Super helpful and informative presentation.”
“I have more power over how I react to other’s incivility than I previously believed."
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