
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 13, 1995                   TAG: 9508110088
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: D1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STAFF
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

JURY CONSULTING SERVICES

Jury trial focus group - Six to eight people chosen on a demographic basis and presented with case information and aspects of legal arguments. They discuss and explore the group dynamic that takes place when a jury deliberates.

Cost - $3,000 to $5,000

Time - 2 to 6 hours

Trial simulations - Participants see evidence, hear testimony, summaries and closing arguments. They may deliberate and reach a mock verdict.

Cost - $5,000 to $8,000

Time - 6 to 10 hours

Shadow juries - People hired to correspond as exactly as possible to the actual jury in number and demographics. Participants attend a trial, approximating as closely as possible the role of sworn jurors.

Cost - $18,000 to more than $30,000

Time - Depends on length of trial

Litigation psychology - Psychological assessment of sworn jurors and potential jurors, most often used during the period when the potential jurors are questioned and selected to choose panelists most sympathetic to client's case.

Cost - $200 to $400 per hour, can range to more than $15,000

Time - Depends on duration of the jury selection process.

Sources: Trial Consultants Inc. of Miami; Martin Research Inc. of Roanoke; and the American Society of Trial Consultants.

by CNB