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

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

Agenda

6:00 – 6:15 Registration

6:15 – 7:15 Presentation & Panel Discussion

7:15 - 7:30 Q&A

7:30 – 8:00 Reception