In litigation and arbitration, optimism about outcomes can be powerful, but at what cost? Studies show that lawyers, irrespective of intelligence or demographic status, consistently exhibit unwarranted confidence in their client’s case even when presented with the same facts and legal rules. This bias inflates judicial outcome expectations, reduces settlement rates, and prolongs and escalates costly conflicts.

This interdisciplinary panel, featuring experts from law, psychology, academia, and practice, will explore why myside bias arises, its profound implications for litigation and dispute resolution, and practical strategies that lawyers, judges, and negotiators can use to mitigate bias and achieve fairer outcomes.

We hope you will join us for the networking following the panel discussion, followed by a wine reception.

The funding for this event, as well as the research we will present, is by the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.

Speakers: 

• Prof Dan Simon, USC Gould School of Law
• Prof Loukas Mistelis, Queen Mary University of London
• Katia Finkel, Eversheds Sutherland
• Camilla Godman, Omni Bridgeway
• Suber Akther, Siemens Energy

Agenda

• 6:00 – 6:15 Registration
• 6:15 – 7:15 Presentation & Panel Discussion
• 7:15 - 7:30 Q&A
• 7:30 – 8:00 Reception