Philadelphia Jury Consultants

Trials have many different parts but of all of them, jury selection is one of the most important. Even just one unfavorable juror can result in millions more in damages awarded, or damages not being awarded at all. Additionally, one wrong juror on a jury can erase hours of work preparing for the trial. Even with the importance of jury selection, too many attorneys do not spend the necessary time or resources on this part of the trial. This is where our Philadelphia jury consultants can help.

What are Jury Consultants?

Jury consultants are behavioral experts who uncover biases of potential jurors so they can help trial lawyers select the best possible jury. Jury consultants can advise on how a potential juror will respond to a dispute, the facts in a case, witness testimony, and other evidence. Jury consultants are powerful tools when evaluating a case and preparing for trial. Jury consultants may also help evaluate possible defenses that might be the strongest. It is beneficial when an attorney consults a jury consultant as soon as possible during litigation.

Jury Selection is About More Than Just Demographics

Historically, attorneys have relied on demographics when selecting jurors. However, using demographics alone, or even primarily, can result in unpredictable damages or verdict outcomes. For example, attorneys have usually wanted to strike accountants from a jury because they believe they are financially prudent and will not award high damages. Truthfully, this is a myth. Instead, jury consultants consider a potential juror’s beliefs, attitudes, personality types, and experiences to determine whether a potential juror will be favorable for a case.

Jurors also do not follow the instructions they are given, even if they intend to. Jurors are told to evaluate the evidence presented and objectively listen to both sides before making a decision. Instead, jurors use motivated reasoning to draw preliminary conclusions based on their own attitudes and beliefs. Anything they see or hear in a courtroom is filtered through a juror’s own bias. Jurors will inadvertently accept the information that fits with their bias, while ignoring evidence that contradicts it.

How Do Jury Consultants Help Attorneys?

During voir dire, trial lawyers must ask potential jurors the right questions, either orally or by using a juror questionnaire. These questions help identify a potential juror’s beliefs, attitudes, personality type, and experiences. Jury consultants can help trial lawyers design their questions to identify and evaluate the psychological variables that are much more telling than relying merely on demographics alone.

Call Our Jury Consultants in Philadelphia Today

Selecting a jury is one of the most important parts of any trial. Choosing the wrong one could result in an unfavorable verdict or an unfair amount of damages awarded. At MGM Trial Services, Inc., our Philadelphia jury consultants can help you through the process to ensure only the best potential jurors are selected that will help you win your case. Call us now at 410-303-7800 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our consultants and to learn more about how we can help at trial.