the  Creative Paralegal

"Jurors believe the truth is simple and lies are complicated.” We believe every decision in the litigation cycle should be made with a deep understanding of how a future jury would view the case.

 

Reliable insights into the juror perspective result in more efficient discovery, more accurate evaluations, more persuasive trial themes, and more favorable settlements and verdicts.

 

Our grounding is in the story model of persuasion science, which focuses on how jurors construct narrative storylines from a pattern of facts to help them receive and process large amounts of information, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and decide what evidence should be central to their ultimate verdict.

 

Respect for the jury is at the heart of what we do. Without it we would be unable to stand in the jurors’ shoes and see the evidence as they see it. Jurors believe the truth is simple and lies are complicated. We specialize in providing trial teams with strategies, themes, and messages that resonate with jurors because they are direct, accessible, and compelling.

Proactive preparation drives positive outcomes. Utilizing research during the litigation process provides additional  data and insight to drive positive outcomes. CSI uses scientifically-tested psychological methodologies –  conducted by Ph.D.-level researchers – that are proven to contain costs and significantly increase the likelihood of  a favorable outcome.

 

Mock Trials: CSI mock trials aren’t about trial practice; our mock trials provide a realistic simulation to test case strategies and acquire real-time scientifically significant data on juror sentiment and case valuation. Our mock trials employ an adversarial design involving either live or videotaped witness testimony, similar to the case-in-chief structure of an actual trial. Because CSI mock trials allow jurors to deliberate over a jury charge, they are effective at predicting not only liability issues, but also the potential range of damage awards. This information provides valuable insights not only for trial, but also for mediation and settlement negotiations.

 

For in-person mock trials, CSI replicates the trial process, including the physical environment of a courtroom. This meticulous approach, along with our qualifications in psychometrics, results in the highest predictive validity for your client. 

 

Jury Selection: Popular opinions suggest that demographics are the principal consideration during jury selection. In reality, demographics are not predictive of jury orientation. Research indicates that other, less obvious, factors including attitudes, beliefs, life experiences, and personalities greatly influence how a juror will respond to the case narrative, evidence, attorneys, and witnesses. 

 

CSI’s scientific jury selection services typically begin with the development of a profile of the most and least favorable juror characteristics. This profile is used to guide the development of a juror questionnaire as well as lines of inquiry during voir dire. CSI’s trial consultants apply psychometric methodology to more fully assess juror profiles before cases go to trial. Our proven research protocols and interview techniques, conducted by Ph.D.-level researchers, provide valuable knowledge of the preexisting psychological determinants of how the case will be construed - helping you compose the optimal audience for your client’s case. 

You have questions about your case only Magna can answer. Magna Legal Services offers a full array of litigation consulting services, including risk assessment and strategic recommendations. We pride ourselves on telling you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear.

 

Our experienced jury consultants use a multi-phase jury research method to ensure the statistical reliability and robustness of our findings. After conducting the early, exploratory stages of research, Magna consultants will continuously develop, adjust, refine, retest, and confirm the best themes and strategy for the later phases.

 

Be confident in knowing how a jury is likely to approach your case.