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Trial consultants assist attorneys in various stages of civil and criminal trials, including pre-trial preparation, in-court technology assistance, and post-trial activities. They may study potential jurors, provide technology assistance, and offer follow-up services. A background in social sciences or information technology is useful for this career.
A trial consultant assists attorneys at various stages of civil and criminal trials. Historically, they were also called jury consultants, and their primary role was to help attorneys select their juries. They usually did this by studying potential jurors and suggesting which individuals were likely to return a favorable verdict. Today, however, trial consultants are often used in many more legal situations than just jury selection, and many companies offer consultancy at all stages of the trial. Examples of these services might include pre-trial preparation, in-court technology assistance during a trial, and post-trial or follow-up activities.
In the pretrial phase, a consultant may be hired to study the behavior of potential jurors. This can be done in a number of ways, for example by reading people’s body language in flight or by conducting mock tests. During the trial, he or she may continue to observe the jury in order to provide the attorney with information about possible verdicts. In addition to working with juries, many consultants now offer services to attorneys – such as pre-trial strategic planning. They can also make recommendations on the best way to present a case to a grand jury or the most effective way to present witness testimony and evidence.
A technology specialist can also be hired as a test consultant in the pre-test phase. A trial technologist often uses their combined skills in law and technology to assist trial attorneys. For example, they can help organize documents and evidence into a more user-friendly format in preparation for a trial. This can help legal teams organize and present key information more efficiently.
During a trial, an attorney may want to incorporate visual aids or other technological tools to strengthen their case. Because he or she may not have the time or skills to create these aids, many attorneys hire consulting firms to assist with technology needs. Examples of the services these companies offer can range from producing relatively simple charts and graphs to more complex products such as videos or movies. Many consultants are experts in using presentation software and are generally familiar with courtroom procedures, making their unique skills an asset to trial attorneys.
After the court case is over, a trial consultant may provide some follow-up services to attorneys. This may include conducting individual or group panel interviews, in which consultants seek feedback on strategies that may prove successful in future trials. Some companies also offer administrative services such as document organization and conversion.
A wide range of skills and experience can be helpful in starting a career in the test consulting development field. A jury consultant typically studies human behavior; therefore, a background in the social sciences often proves useful, along with research and communication skills. Working with juries may also require an advanced degree in criminology, forensic psychology, or another related field.
An assessment technologist might have a degree in computer science or information technology, for example. They also often have experience with audio engineering or video production, which can help with managing evidence and creating courtroom presentations. The ability to resolve technical issues quickly in a high-pressure environment can be another asset for these consultants.
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