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Jury Research

Focus groups, mock trials, and community surveys designed, run, and analyzed by the same people who will sit with you at trial.

Lawyers think in causes of action. Jurors think in stories, fairness and common sense. Research shows you the difference before trial: how people like your jurors interpret the facts, react to the parties, and reach a verdict. Our job is not to summarize the results. It is to tell you what to keep, what to change, and whom to look for in jury selection.

Research we design and run

Focus groups

Carefully screened, jury-eligible participants react to your themes, issues and evidence, through written questionnaires and group discussion.

Mock trials and trial simulations

Summary presentations for each side, recorded deliberations, and a written report with recommendations for trial and jury selection. In person or online.

Online research

With the proper protocols, online focus groups and mock trials are a good alternative to in-person research. You can watch the discussions and deliberations live.

Community attitude surveys

A random sample of jury-eligible respondents, by telephone or online. We design the questionnaire, supervise data collection, and analyze and interpret the findings.

Change-of-venue studies

Survey research and media analysis that measure prejudgment in the trial venue, to support or oppose a motion to change venue or to show the need for better jury selection procedures.

Death-qualification surveys

For capital cases, research on how excluding jurors because of their views on the death penalty reshapes the jury.

Pretesting mediation and arbitration

A panel of surrogate fact finders gives realistic feedback on your presentation, alone or against an opposing one.

Research to support settlement

Settlement talks always turn on how a jury would assess the evidence. Knowing the answer is a powerful tool at the table.

How a research project runs

  1. Design

    We study the case materials with you and decide what the research must answer, at a scale that fits the case and the budget.

  2. Recruit

    A carefully screened panel of jury-eligible participants who reflect the characteristics of the actual jury pool.

  3. Conduct

    Participants hear summary presentations, answer written questionnaires, and discuss or deliberate while you observe.

  4. Analyze

    We study the questionnaires and deliberations for the attitudes, experiences and personality traits that drive the verdict.

  5. Report

    A written report on what works, what does not, and why.

  6. Recommend

    Specific recommendations for trial strategy and jury selection, carried into court by the same consultants.

A mock trial usually needs several weeks from recruiting to report.

When survey research goes to court

Venue, jury composition and death-qualification studies often lead to hearings. We prepare the exhibits and the findings report, and our consultants have qualified as expert witnesses on pretrial publicity, change of venue, voir dire procedures, death qualification and jury composition.

  • Content analysis of media coverage
  • Survey design and supervision
  • Analysis and findings report
  • Exhibits and expert testimony

From trial lawyers

“I am a huge believer in the value of “trial consultants” to help shape the presentation of cases and develop trial themes. I have worked with the NJP Litigation Consulting for nearly 25 years and have consistently found that the advice of the trial consultants there and the methodologies they use to shape mock jury exercises in complex cases is invaluable. They are efficient, flexible, user friendly and result-oriented. They also dig deeply into complex issues as well as, if not better than, any of the other trial consultants with whom I have worked.”

Frank Smith Alston & Bird

“I have used NJP to conduct jury research for complex MDL cases and for individual cases with challenging problems. Whether the project is large or small, I know I can count on NJP for quality research and insights that pull the full value out of the research. They are a great asset to any trial team. I have dealt with Susie Macpherson on a number of occasions. She is bright and experienced. She knows the game, and talks the game. I have learned to respect her opinion – she can tell me I am wrong – I listen!!! We have experts in Cleveland – which means no travel expense – but my experience with NJP means “forget the cost – go with them! It’s worth it in the long run.””

John Climaco Climaco, Wilcox, Peca, Tarantino & Garofoli

“I have worked repeatedly with Diane Wiley and her colleagues and no longer try an important case without NJP’s help. NJP’s research provides important insights about what aspects of the case to emphasize, arguments and themes that will work, and the kinds of jurors who will be most receptive. Most importantly, Diane’s instincts about how jurors will see a case are impeccable.”

Mary Anne Sedey Sedey Harper, P.C.

Start with a conversation.

Most engagements begin with a short call about your case, your venue, and your trial date. No budget is too small to talk.

Talk With a Consultant