On May 19, 2016, Bonnie Freeman participated in Part 2 of a panel discussion for Sonoma County Women in Law entitled, "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt--Confidence Wins" in which she, along with Traci Carrillo and Valorie Bader discussed the unique problems and benefits of being women in the litigation field. The seminar was well attended, in a community where women have traditionally excelled far beyond the statistical norms. In a study performed by the American Bar Association Foundation and its litigation section, women are listed as "lead counsel" in civil litigation matters not involving governments in only about 21% of the cases filed. On behalf of the government (local, state and federal) that number is slightly higher, approximately 32%.  The panel discussed the many ways that women may overcome stereotypes still held by some practicing lawyers and jurists, and provided examples--both good and bad-- drawn from its own experience.  The seminar was approved for Elimination of Bias CLE credit.