Mock Trials, Focus Groups, Jury Selection, & Witness Prep

Round Table focus groups are scaled-down jury research exercises
Jury Experts consultants present a 5-page narrative summary including each party’s evidence, witness statements, and key arguments to jurors
Round Table jury participants respond individually to questionnaires before and after hearing the case summary and then deliberate to a decision
Round Table research groups consist of 6 to 8 jurors per group
Jury Trial Consultants have streamlined the process to allow us to conduct back-to-back morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) phases
A total of 2 to 8 separate deliberation groups can be conducted in one day (total of 12 to 64 jurors)
Advantage: Ideal for smaller budgets, early feedback to guide discovery, or comparative testing across different evidence scenarios

Focus group jury research exercises are streamlined mock trials
The trial team designates attorneys to present separate 45-minute presentations for each side
These adversarial presentations include key arguments, cited evidence, witness testimony highlights, visuals, etc.
Focus group jurors respond individually to questionnaires before and after hearing the attorney presentations and then deliberate to verdict and award decisions
Deliberation groups consist of 8 to 10 jurors per group
Advantage: Focus groups are the best jury research option for most case fact patterns. Testing more groups under the streamlined focus group format is generally more reliable than testing less groups under the more elaborate mock trial format.

Mock Trial research incorporates witness testimony (ideally video depos) and separate opening (30min.) and closing arguments (30min.) from each party
Mock jurors respond individually to questionnaires before hearing anything about the case, then following the testimony from each witness, and again following attorney closing presentations
Mock jurors are then broken into groups of 8 to 10 mock jurors to deliberate
Mock Trials typically run 8 hours
Advantages: Mock Trials better track the ebb and flow of jurors’ reactions to the presentations. For cases with high complexity or extensive witness testimony the mock trial format allows more time to present information to mock jurors. Witness testimony is rated by mock jurors across multiple dimensions. The mock trial structure allows time for testimony from multiple independent defendant parties.

Jury Trial Consultants tap our extensive empirical database and direct case experience to generate predictive variables and voir dire questions
Our profiles cover demographic characteristics, attitudes, values, beliefs, personal experiences, and occupational classifications
Our suggested voir dire questions target relevant predictors of juror decisions and help to elicit responses that support challenges (i.e., cause, peremptory, Batson, etc.)
Jury Trial Consultants also develop preconditioning questions designed to indoctrinate and prime jurors to align with themes in your case
We have assisted counsel in selecting hundreds of juries throughout the country, including high-profile cases broadcast on CourtTV®

Witness Deposition and Trial Testimony Training teaches the rules and process of giving effective testimony
These exercises simulate depositions, direct and cross- examinations, adversarial conditions, and rehabilitation techniques
Helps the witnesses to understand the expectations of a jury from a communications perspective, evaluates a witness’ communication style and adjusts for communication problems
Jury Trial Consultants employ techniques to de-personalize the situation for the witness
Often because of relational dynamics, the witness will not listen to counsel; however, the same witness will accept feedback from Jury Trial Consultants who are viewed by the witness as independent third parties
We have effectively prepared hundreds of fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial testimony, including professional sports team owners, athletes, celebrities, Fortune 500 Executives, leading industry experts, as well as certifiable mental patients