Imagine walking into a settlement negotiation or the first day of trial feeling that you have the answers to many of the traditional questions that nag you in these circumstances. Imagine feeling prepared and confident that the arguments you plan to present have been tested and are likely to resonate with jurors. Imagine knowing that you made your mistakes in front of a mock jury rather than the real jury. Testing a case's strengths and vulnerabilities early is the most effective way to hone what works, and more importantly, what does not.

Many attorneys believe that the time and effort involved in preparing for and executing a simulation is not time well spent. In actuality, simulation pre-trial research often saves time and money. Simulation of your case to a mock panel is efficient trial preparation.

We offer several courtroom simulation processes tailored to test the strengths and vulnerabilities of a case. We believe that it is important to design the research around the case rather than attempting to fit each case we encounter into a standardized project. We will work with you to design a mock trial or focus group that will best serve your goals and needs.

While we support and utilize the deliberation of mock juries, we believe that why mock jurors feel and think what they do is much more important than how they vote. Knowing that a quiet mock juror votes for the defendant is not very helpful if you never hear that juror articulate why he or she voted that way. It is through the simulation process that mock jurors provide us with the cognitive mapping that they use to problem solve the case. It is the cognitive map gleaned from pre-trial research that proves invaluable in navigating through the uncertain waters of litigation.

We are more than mere facilitators. We offer assistance and guidance in preparing for the project to ensure relevant and useful results. We analyze the results and provide an in-depth written report complete with recommendations for future action. The following options are available for pre-trial research:

Focus Groups

Focus group research is often a cost conscious first step in preparing for mediation or trial. This type of research can be utilized to:

• Test initial case theories
• Assist in the navigation of discovery.
• Sharpen previously developed themes
• Provide feedback on attorney presentation style.
• Identify a plaintiff/defendant or prosecution/defense juror profile.

Mock Trial 

A mock trial provides the best opportunity to test a myriad of components. For example, the initial impression created with an opening statement is incredibly crucial, and the mock trial presents the best chance to practice and test a dynamic opening statement. This type of research can also be used to:

• Promote streamlined arguments
• Learn more about opponent's arguments
• Gain insight into juror perception of attorneys
• Obtain juror feedback on specific witnesses.
• Develop a juror profile for use at trial

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