Pre-trial research
Attorneys most often spend months if not years working on a case before it comes to trial. During that time, they spend countless hours talking with other attorneys and consulting with experts about the issues in their case. If only the jury were made up of attorneys and experts ….
There is always value in previewing a case to a group of “real people” who resemble the actual jury who is likely to hear a case. This is most frequently accomplished in the form of focus groups or summary trials (mock trials).
Denise works with attorneys to determine which format, or combination of formats, is most effective and efficient in accomplishing the pretrial research goals of a particular case.
Focus groups and summary trials certainly can be very elaborate and expensive – but they do not have to be. While it is preferable to hear from as many “mock jurors” as is feasible, a single focus group can be very informative, and can be accomplished without breaking the bank.
Denise supervises the coordination and preparation of the pretrial research, and personally attends and facilitates the focus groups or summary trials. Following the pretrial research exercises, Denise prepares a report that includes a summary of the feedback from the participants, as well as recommendations for jury selection and trial strategy.
