Choosing a Sensemaking Frame: Seeing Through the Eyes of the Wayfinder

Dr. John R. Black

To kick off our year of Decisions that Define us our first luncheon will focus on decision-making. Lawyers are routinely asked to make, or evaluate, decisions under time pressure, emotional intensity, and with incomplete information. Traditional training emphasizes procedural logic and outcome evaluation rather than upstream thinking patterns that precede those decisions. Join us in welcoming Dr. John Black to discuss cognitive tools and reflective practices that support just, accurate, and ethically attuned decision-making in both advocacy and adjudication. With over 30 years of service in U.S. Army Special Operations and more than 23 years in law enforcement, Dr. Black brings a rare blend of operational insight, cognitive science and systems thinking to the legal context. Dr. Black will discuss common decision-making pitfalls and how to adopt reflective strategies to improve judgement.

Decide to Support the Community that Defines us

This year, JWLA is continuing its efforts of community outreach and giving back to the local community.  For each luncheon, we will spotlight a local charity or other nonprofit organization and will conduct a donation drive, to be collected at that month’s luncheon.  This luncheon, we will be spotlighting and collecting donations for local teachers. We challenge our members and guests to bring new school supplies to the luncheon; supplies will be donated to Duval Teacher Supply Depot which helps teachers stock their classrooms.

We hope you will decide to join in on our effort to give back to our local community.  Any questions can be directed to Katelyn Johnston at [email protected]