Mock juror research projects will help an attorney confirm, or discover, the relevant issues, strengths and weakness of his or her case from the point of view of the potential jurors. The methods that I have created for mock juror research projects have shown a very high level of reliability and validity in both civil and criminal cases for the purposes of informing trial strategies and gaining jury insight into probable trial outcomes.

I presently have two types of mock jury cases that I offer. In addition to the traditional live mock jury focus group, I presently offer an online version. An online mock jury can provide an economical way to gain insight into a case when the budget for the case cannot accommodate a traditional mock jury project.

Voir dire presents a golden opportunity to communicate with the venire before trial. Unfortunately, many attorneys approach the voir dire phase of trial with faulty assumptions, poor preparation or ineffective execution.

After I discuss overall case strategy and tactics with the attorney, juror profiles and questions for effective selection and de-selection of prospective jurors are systematically developed. Based upon scores of mock juror research projects and in-court experience with hundreds of jurors, I help the attorney create supplemental written juror questionnaires and voir dire questions that are tailored to fit the case.

I have developed an extremely effective methodology of communication skills unique to the struck system (Donahue approach). This powerful method has helped many attorneys win before trial.

In court, I become part of the trial team in tracking the voir dire process and rating prospective jurors. I provide input that will be helpful in generating cause challenges, exposing juror biases, and consolidating the venire to support case theory and themes. Prioritization of peremptory strikes often presents a critical chess game that the trial team must win. Many cases boil down to the vote of a single juror. It is vitally import that the attorney understand how each juror's experiences, biases and leadership abilities can potentially impact the outcome of a case.

Witness preparation for testimony, whether during deposition or trial, can be critical to an attorney’s case. However, behavioral or emotional presentation problems can undermine witness authenticity, credibility, like-ability and effectiveness. From having worked one-on-one with psychotherapy clients for twenty years, I apply a behavior change program that produces excellent results in correcting problem behaviors that  interfere with witness presentation.

Case Strategy, Themes, and Trial Communications

Whether in  preparation for settlement or for trial, litigation is driven forward through the strength and power of the attorney's strategic communications. Skills that involve the behavioral science of communication can ultimately make or break each case.

Contact Dr. Cohen:

Phone: 206.782.6878

Fax: 206.782.7541