Maximize the value of jury consulting services by understanding how to collaborate effectively during selection.
Jury consultants can significantly enhance your selection process—if you work together effectively.
What Consultants Provide
Quality jury consultants offer: - Community attitude surveys - Juror profile development - Mock trial research - Real-time voir dire support - Post-trial analysis
Maximizing the Relationship
Early Engagement
Bring consultants in during case development, not just before trial.
Share Everything
Consultants need full case knowledge to provide useful insights.
Define Roles Clearly
Who asks questions? Who tracks jurors? Who makes final decisions?
Trust but Verify
Consultants advise; attorneys decide. Own your choices.
In-Court Collaboration
During voir dire: - Establish communication signals - Divide observation duties - Compare notes between panels - Make challenge decisions together
Budget Considerations
Full consulting packages are expensive. Consider: - Limited scope engagements - Phone consultations - Profile development only - Mock jury only
DIY Alternatives
When budgets don't allow consultants: - Review venue demographic data - Research prior verdicts - Conduct informal focus groups - Develop your own profiles
Evaluating Consultant Value
Assess consultants by: - Relevant case experience - Methodology transparency - Past outcome correlation - Communication quality
