Mock trials are structured, argumentative case presentations in which attorneys present both sides of the case. They can be structured for either half day or full day depending on budget. Mock trials are designed both to assist the trial team and the client in developing creative and useful approaches to settling or trying the case. In the event that settlement talks are not successful, we make recommendations that are useful in developing an effective and persuasive case presentation at trial.

Mock trials answer such questions as:

1. How will the jury perceive the issues and the evidence in the case?
2. How can we make the themes and the story more persuasive?
3. What is the best way to deal with weaknesses in the case?
4. What is the best way to simplify the case?
5. What questions about the facts will be important to the jury?
6. How can the fact and expert witnesses tell the truth more effectively?
7. How can the demonstrative aides be more effective?
8. Who is the ideal juror and what is the best jury selection strategy?
9. What are juror opinons of your case?
10. What are potiental jury verdicts for both liability and damage numbers?

Mock trials are ideal for testing:

• Trial strategy, themes and arguments.
• Potential tactics, techniques, evidentiary strategies.
• Reactions of juror to expert and lay witnesses.
• Comprehension of demonstrative evidence.
• Reactions to attorney presentation and demeanor.

Mock trials uncover juror attitudes and experiences that influence their verdicts. Participants are recruited based on the jury pool in the venue. They are screened on stringent demographic and experiential criteria, including case specific criterion. We do our best to eliminate people who appear to be “professional” focus group participants.

Questionnaires and other mock trial materials are designed to uncover key issues for jury selection and solicit juror reaction to the most persuasive themes and arguments. After the mock trial, the data is analyzed and the attorney is provided with a comprehensive written report. The report includes recommendations for favorable settlement positions or to present the case more effectively, and composition of effective voir dire strategies and questions.

Mock trials can give you the leverage you need in negotiations for settlement. Having assessed the impact of damages arguments against a representative group, you can approach negotiations or case presentation with empirically sound information as well as your sharpest legal arguments.