Services
Jury
Selection
Every Seat Matters. We Help You Fill Them Wisely.
Focus Litigation Consulting can also conduct online prospective juror searches either at trial, or in advance thereof, if allowable by the Court. Specifically, prospective juror searches consist of individualized online public records, behavioral, and social media searches of each prospective juror in the venire. Focus Litigation Consulting will generate the below publicly available information (if and when available). This information is then analyzed by Focus Litigation Consulting on-site during jury selection, or (if the venireperson list is available beforehand) in advance of trial, to determine whether there are any “red flags” or other reasons to de-select a juror or follow up during attorney-conducted voir dire.
Mock Trial
A simulated courtroom proceeding designed to replicate a real trial. It allows attorneys and trial consultants to test case strategies, witness presentations, and jury arguments before an actual trial. Mock jurors evaluate the evidence and testimony, providing valuable feedback on how a real jury might perceive the case. This process helps refine legal arguments, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve overall trial preparation.
Focus Groups
A structured discussion involving a selected group of participants who represent potential jurors. The focus group evaluates key aspects of a case—such as themes, evidence, witness credibility, and messaging. The feedback gathered helps legal teams understand juror attitudes, perceptions, and potential biases, enabling them to refine trial strategy and improve case presentation before going to court.
Online Jury Research
A cost-effective and efficient method of gathering juror insights through digital platforms. Using online surveys, virtual mock trials, and remote focus groups, we can access a diverse pool of participants from across jurisdictions to evaluate case themes, witness effectiveness, and evidence presentation. This approach provides valuable feedback on how potential jurors might perceive the case, helping legal teams tailor strategies and messaging with precision—without the constraints of geography or time.
Judicial Research
Mock trials and focus groups specifically designed for bench trials, where a judge or group of judges, rather than a jury, serves as the fact-finder(s). This research involves analyzing judicial behavior, decision-making patterns, and legal preferences to tailor case presentation and arguments effectively. Judicial research is designed to help attorneys anticipate judicial responses and craft strategies that resonate with the court’s expectations and standards.
Settlement/Case Valuation Research
A method of assessing how jurors or decision-makers perceive the potential value or damages in a legal case. This research gathers feedback on issues such as liability, causation, and appropriate compensation, helping trial teams and their clients understand likely award ranges, identify risk factors, and make informed decisions about settlement, mediation, or trial strategy.
Other Services we Provide
Expert Guidance at Every Stage of Trial.
FAQ
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Is virtual jury research effective?
Yes. Virtual jury research can be highly effective when it is designed and conducted with a rigorous scientific methodology. At Focus Litigation Consulting, our online jury research, focus groups, and mock trials follow the same research principles we apply to in-person projects: carefully screened juror recruitment, controlled research design, and sophisticated analysis of juror decision-making.
In many cases, virtual jury research allows trial teams to test case themes, witness credibility, and damages arguments early in the litigation process with representative jurors from the relevant venue. When properly structured and analyzed by experienced trial consultants and jury research specialists, virtual research can produce reliable insights that directly inform trial strategy, settlement decisions, and voir dire preparation.
How does virtual jury research work?
Virtual jury research – such as online focus groups or online mock trials – allows attorneys to observe how real jurors react to their case before stepping into the courtroom. Using secure online platforms, Focus Litigation Consulting recruits jury-eligible participants who match the demographics of the trial venue and presents them with case materials, attorney arguments, and evidence summaries.
Participants deliberate and provide feedback while our jury consultants analyze attitudes, persuasion drivers, and juror reasoning patterns. Led by Dr. Geri Fischman and other experienced
senior trial consultants at Focus Litigation Consulting, these sessions help attorneys identify:
- Which case themes resonate most strongly with jurors
- Which arguments create confusion or skepticism
- How jurors evaluate credibility, responsibility, and damages
- Potential risk factors before trial
This process produces actionable insights that allow trial teams to refine case narratives, strengthen openings and closings, and prepare more effective voir dire strategies.
When should I hire a Jury Consultant?
The earlier a jury consultant or trial consultant becomes involved in a case, the more strategic value they can provide. At Focus Litigation Consulting, we frequently assist attorneys during the early case assessment phase, when litigation teams are still evaluating liability exposure, damages risk, and potential juror reactions.
Early jury research and community attitude surveys can help attorneys:
- Evaluate the strengths and vulnerabilities of the case
- Identify persuasive trial themes
- Assess potential settlement value
- Prepare witnesses and refine case presentation
By engaging a jury consulting firm early, attorneys gain valuable insight into how real jurors may perceive the case long before trial begins.
How do I choose a Jury Consultant?
Selecting the right jury consultant or trial consulting firm requires evaluating both scientific expertise and real trial experience. Attorneys should look for consultants with strong backgrounds in psychology, juror behavior, research methodology, and courtroom strategy.
Focus Litigation Consulting is an elite team of Ph.D.s, lawyers, and psychologists, known for our innovative, individualized, and immersive approach to trial strategy. Our team is led by Dr. Geri Fischman, a nationally recognized lawyer, Ph.D., jury consultant, and litigation strategist who combines behavioral science with real-world trial experience. Focus Litigation Consulting’s consultants hold specializations and advanced degrees in statistics, legal psychology, cognitive and social psychology, communications, and the law.
We are consistently published in the most highly regarded cognitive psychology and social science journals for cutting-edge research on juror decision making, and we are regularly called upon to keynote bar association and psychology conferences throughout the country.
We believe in quality over quantity both in terms of the members of our team and the cases we take on as a firm.
The best trial consultants combine rigorous research with practical trial strategy that attorneys can immediately implement. At Focus Litigation Consulting, our strength lies in our people. At the core of our firm is a multidisciplinary team of professionals who understand the art and science of persuasion in the courtroom.
What factors should be considered when hiring a jury consultant or a trial consultant?
Not all jury consultants or trial consulting firms approach litigation strategy in the same way. When selecting a consultant, attorneys should evaluate the methodology, experience, and strategic approach the consultant brings to the case. Important factors include:
- The jury consultant’s or trial consultant’s academic credentials, litigation experience, and record of case successes
- Whether the consultant conducts scientifically designed jury research
- Experience with mock trials, focus groups, and juror analytics
- Ability to assist with theme development, witness preparation, and trial narratives
- Experience with in-court voir dire and jury selection
- Knowledge of the specific venue and juror demographics
At Focus Litigation Consulting, we integrate behavioral science, juror psychology, and courtroom strategy to help attorneys understand how jurors think, what persuades them, and how to present complex evidence effectively.
Do jury consultants or trial consultants work on a contingency basis? Is this ethical?
In the jury consulting and trial consulting industry, most reputable firms – including Focus Litigation Consulting – work on a professional fee basis rather than a contingency arrangement. Jury consulting is a specialized expert service involving research design, juror recruitment, data analysis, and strategic advisory work.
Because jury consultants provide independent behavioral research and strategic analysis, contingency arrangements can raise ethical concerns about objectivity and research integrity. Most litigation teams prefer consultants whose recommendations are grounded in scientific analysis rather than case outcomes.
What jury consulting services do you offer?
Focus Litigation Consulting provides a comprehensive range of jury consulting, trial consulting, and litigation strategy services throughout the lifecycle of complex litigation. Led by Dr. Geri Fischman, a nationally recognized lawyer, Ph.D., jury consultant, and litigation strategist who combines behavioral science with real-world trial experience, our team supports attorneys in high-stakes civil, commercial, and criminal cases nationwide. Our services include:
Jury Research & Case Strategy
- Early Case Assessment
- Case Theme Development
- Community Attitude Surveys
- Focus Groups
- Mock Trials
- Mock Arbitrations & Bench Trial Simulations
Witness & Trial Preparation
- Witness Preparation and Communication Training
- Juror Profile Development
- Opening Statement & Closing Argument Development
- Voir Dire & Jury Selection
Voir Dire Strategy and Question Development
- Supplemental Juror Questionnaire Design
- Mock Voir Dire
- In-Court Jury Selection Assistance
Juror Intelligence & Monitoring
- Juror Social Media Research and Analysis
- Juror Evaluation and Attitude Research
- Shadow Juries (Mirror Juries)
- Trial Observation and In-Court Monitoring
Post-Trial Analysis
- Post-Trial Juror Interviews
- Verdict Analysis and Trial Debriefing
These services allow attorneys to test case strategy, understand juror attitudes, and present evidence in ways that resonate with modern juries.
Do you offer any virtual jury consulting services?
Yes. Focus Litigation Consulting regularly conducts virtual jury consulting and online jury research projects for cases across the United States. Many of our services – including focus groups, mock trials, community attitude surveys, witness preparation, and voir dire strategy sessions – d can be conducted remotely using secure technology.
Virtual research often allows attorneys to obtain high-quality juror feedback quickly and cost-effectively, particularly in cases involving geographically dispersed venues or compressed trial schedules. Our team carefully designs each project to ensure that online jury research produces reliable insights into juror attitudes, decision-making, and persuasion dynamics.
What are the strengths of IMS’s jury consulting team?
What distinguishes Focus Litigation Consulting is our ability to combine rigorous behavioral science with real-world courtroom strategy in a way that produces practical, actionable insights for trial teams.
Founded by Dr. Geri Fischman, a nationally recognized jury consultant and litigation strategist, Focus Litigation Consulting has built a decades-long reputation for helping attorneys and legal teams navigate high-stakes, complex litigation across the country. Our work is grounded in advanced juror psychology, decision-making research, and persuasion science, but always focused on what ultimately matters: how jurors actually think, react, and deliberate in the jury room.
Unlike many trial consulting firms that rely heavily on theory or standardized approaches, Focus Litigation Consulting designs highly tailored jury research for each case. Through mock trials, jury focus groups, community attitude surveys, and juror analytics, we identify the themes, narratives, and evidentiary frameworks that resonate most strongly with real jurors in a specific venue.
Our team has conducted thousands of jury research exercises nationwide, giving us an unparalleled data set on how jurors evaluate liability, credibility, responsibility, and damages across a wide range of civil and criminal matters. This experience allows us to provide trial teams with clear strategic guidance—not just data—on how to position their case effectively before modern juries.
Equally important, Focus Litigation Consulting works as a true strategic partner to trial counsel. We collaborate closely with attorneys on theme development, witness preparation, voir dire strategy, opening and closing narratives, and in-court jury selection, ensuring that the insights generated through jury research translate directly into persuasive courtroom advocacy.
In short, Focus Litigation Consulting helps attorneys see their case through the eyes of jurors – before the trial ever begins. That perspective is often the difference between a case that is merely argued and one that is truly persuasive in the jury room.
What are the benefits of jury research?
Jury research is one of the most powerful tools available to modern trial lawyers. Through mock trials, focus groups, and community attitude surveys, attorneys can observe how real jurors evaluate evidence, assign responsibility, and determine damages.
At Focus Litigation Consulting, jury research helps trial teams:
- Identify persuasive case themes
- Detect weaknesses or risk factors in the case
- Understand juror attitudes and decision-making patterns
- Develop more effective opening statements and closing arguments
- Create targeted voir dire strategies
In many cases, jury research also provides insight into case valuation and settlement strategy.
How do I know which type of jury research is best for my case?
The best jury research methodology depends on several factors, including the type of case, trial venue, litigation stage, and strategic goals of the trial team.
At Focus Litigation Consulting, we design customized research programs that may include:
- Focus groups to explore early juror reactions and themes
- Mock trials to simulate full case presentations and deliberations
- Community attitude surveys to measure juror bias and venue risk
- Hybrid research designs combining quantitative and qualitative analyses
Under the direction of Dr. Geri Fischman, the Focus Litigation Consulting team works closely with attorneys and trial teams to ensure the research provides actionable insights that directly inform trial preparation.
Will the consultants be present during jury selection?
Yes. Focus Litigation Consulting regularly assists attorneys during live jury selection in the courtroom. Our jury consultants work side-by-side with trial counsel during voir dire to analyze juror responses, identify favorable and unfavorable jurors, and assist attorneys in making strategic decisions regarding challenges for cause and peremptory strikes.
Using real-time juror profiling, behavioral observation, and structured data analysis, we help trial teams quickly identify jurors whose attitudes, experiences, and values may influence how they interpret the evidence. Our goal is to provide attorneys with clear, strategic insight during the fast-moving jury selection process.
In addition, Focus Litigation Consulting conducts real-time online background research on prospective jurors during voir dire. These prospective juror background searches involve reviewing publicly available digital information – including demographic information, political affiliations, criminal histories, social media activity, online postings, publicly accessible professional profiles, blogs, and other internet presence – to identify attitudes, affiliations, statements, or life experiences that may not surface during oral questioning in the courtroom.
This type of digital juror intelligence can reveal important information about a juror’s beliefs, biases, professional background, advocacy positions, or prior public statements that may impact their suitability to serve on a particular case. When conducted ethically and within court guidelines, real-time juror research allows trial teams to make more informed jury selection decisions while voir dire is still underway.
By combining in-court behavioral analysis with real-time juror background research, Focus Litigation Consulting provides attorneys with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the jury panel, helping trial teams seat juries that are most receptive to their case themes and evidence.