The Ohio Supreme Court will partner with the OSBA to create a second course to combat sexual harassment.

The Ohio Supreme Court will partner with the OSBA to create a second course to combat sexual harassment.

The Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio State Bar Association are partnering to sponsor a three-hour continuing legal education (CLE) program, designed for judges and attorneys.

The free seminar, “Not Just Another Sexual Harassment Seminar: Empowering Attorneys and Judges to Create a Culture of Civility and Respect,” takes place Feb. 13.

“The Ohio Supreme Court has an ongoing commitment to provide effective education to judges, attorneys, and court staff in this area,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said. “Every attorney and judge in the state has a professional obligation to conduct themselves with civility and to show respect for others.”

The course will feature nationally recognized expert Fran Sepler, who was commissioned by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to develop programs addressing workplace respect and civility. She will focus on ways individuals can increase early detection and resolution of uncivil behavior.

As a result of participating in the course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the harm and loss of prestige to the legal profession and courts when uncivil behavior is permitted
• Explain how uncivil behavior can lead to harassment, discrimination, and other unlawful conduct
• Describe why people avoid speaking up, and how courts and firms can support bystanders and effectively process complaints
• Identify strategies that attorneys and judges can use to increase early detection and resolution of uncivil behavior.

Attorneys and judges interested in the seminar can register here.