Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to share that partner Frances O'Meara will serve as a featured panelist at the CLM Focus Conference, taking place June 17-18, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee. She will join fellow thought leaders- Kristi Harrington of First Court, Kim Noble of Applied Financial Lines, and Carl Perri- on June 17th at 11:00 a.m. for a timely and thought-provoking session titled, Breaking Bias: Jury Selection Unfiltered.
Hosted by the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, the annual Focus Conference brings together leading professionals in claims, litigation management, and risk strategy for two days of immersive programming centered on today's most pressing challenges. The conference features five targeted tracks- Cyber, Property, Subrogation, Transportation, and Claims & Litigation Management. It is designed to deliver specialized insight for mid to senior-level professionals through collaborative, roundtable-style discussions that encourage open dialogue and practical problem-solving.
During Breaking Bias: Jury Selection Unfiltered, panelists will examine the most consequential and often unspoken drivers of jury verdicts, namely, implicit bias. While voir dire has long been viewed as a cornerstone of trial strategy, unconscious assumptions about race, profession, socioeconomic background, corporate status, and personal experience can quietly shape juror perceptions and materially affect damage awards.
Drawing on real-world trial experience, the panel will offer a candid discussion about how attorneys can ethically identify and address those biases before they take root in deliberations. The session will explore practical methods for uncovering bias, including careful review of publicly available digital footprints, while navigating professional responsibility and privacy boundaries. Attendees will leave with actionable steps for identifying hidden bias early, managing its impact, and reducing verdict exposure through more informed jury selection.
"Jury selection is one of the most important moments in any trial because it is where hidden narratives often begin,' said O'Meara. "Implicit bias can shape how jurors hear evidence, evaluate witnesses, and assign value long before deliberations start. The more intentional and thoughtful we are during voir dire, the greater our ability to create a fairer process and more accurately assess litigation risk."
The session is expected to draw claims professionals, corporate counsel, and trial attorneys seeking sophisticated strategies for confronting one of the most complex human factors influencing modern verdicts.
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At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
