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PRACTICAL GUIDANCE, MEASURABLE RESULTS

Who we are

Sound Jury Consulting is committed to changing the way trial consulting is performed. Our focus is on practical guidance that produces measurable results. We are not interested in abstract theories or vague advice. We are interested in strategy and execution, which demands recommendations that go well beyond “tell a story” or “tell this story.”

Tom OToole 16 hours ago

A great line from a federal judge in an order: "The authors of the so-called Reptile Manual have probably made a lot of money selling their book to the plaintiffs’ bar but their work has resulted in tremendous waste of judicial time and resources on pointless motions like this."

Tom OToole 2 weeks ago

An interesting Op-Ed in the Seattle Times today by Federal Judge Coughenour (Western District of WA) about Zoom jury trials and his belief about what is lost in the process.

Tom OToole 3 months ago

Happy St. Paddy's Day from Sound Jury Consulting. Here's the section on the Irish from Clarence Darrow's famous treatise on jury selection. https://t.co/HJVocVnAZk

Tom OToole 3 months ago

I like to repost this experiment every couple of years because it is a great reminder to trial attorneys that, when your audience is trying to figure something out, it is very easy for them to miss things that you think are painfully obvious.

Tom OToole 4 months ago

Millennials make up 43% of Zoom jury pools compared to only 30% with in-person jury pools. Check out this week's blog for details:

Tom OToole 4 months ago

We did some jury pool analysis comparing remote trials to in-person trials in King County and found some interesting differences in the jury pool make-up with remote jury trials. Most notable is the increase in the number of millennials in remote jury pools.

Tom OToole 5 months ago

In this week's blog, we talk with King County Superior Court Judge Keenan, who presided over a 15-day remote jury trial. Judge Keenan was kind enough to share some insights on the process and logistics of a remote jury trial.

Tom OToole 5 months ago

This 13-minute TED speech on storytelling and the human brain is something every trial attorney needs to watch. Even if you feel like you already know a lot of this, it is an incredible reminder grounded in some new and interesting takes on the issue.

Tom OToole 5 months ago

As this clip shows, jurors use their "gut feelings" to make quick assessments of witnesses. It's why it's so important to PRACTICE testimony in advance. It allows the witness to get use to an unfamiliar communication environment, fail in a safe place, & make the adjustments. https://t.co/SdnUSdbqm9

Tom OToole 5 months ago

As this data suggests, the rise of millennial jurors means attorneys need to work harder than ever before to gain the trust in the courtroom. https://t.co/ZgaR0dvFml

Testimonials

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Sound Jury Consulting helped me pick a jury in a high profile criminal case. They were organized, efficient, and incisive. We achieved an acquittal, and their assistance was critical to preventing an innocent man from being convicted.

Robert CaryWilliams & Connolly, LLP, Washington D.C.

Tom is a master trial strategist. His understanding of jury selection and the dynamics of jury deliberations is second to none.

Kevin BaumgardnerCorr Cronin Michelson Baumgardner Fogg & Moore, LLP, Seattle, WA

I won’t try a significant case without using the fantastic folks at Sound Jury Consultants. While respecting our role as lawyer, Tom and his team provide incredible insight on the best themes and theories a case presents, and how to best tell our clients’ stories..."

Brad AndersonLanderholm, Vancouver, WA

Tom, Jill, and Joe's assistance has made a noticeable difference to the results we achieve for clients. Their critical perspective and practical advice has helped me present my cases to juries, judges, mediators and arbitrators in a much more simplified, persuasive, and effective manner.

Joseph GrubeBreneman Grube, PLLC, Seattle, WA

In this case and prior ones, Tom demonstrated his ability to quickly sort through a significant amount of information to recommend an effective course of action. Our team greatly appreciated his hard work, helpful insights and positive approach. I look forward to working with Tom again for years to come.

Mark FilipiniK&L Gates, Seattle, WA

Tom was prompt and engaging in responding to ideas, offering alternatives well worthy of consideration, but was also flexible in molding the product to a style that fit the preference of the trial lawyer. I would recommend Tom to anyone needing strong support in developing an opening or closing.

Mike WeathersbyEvert Weathersby Houff, Atlanta, GA

We have retained Tom, Jill, and Joe to consult on complex litigation matters. I highly value their insight and ability to create graphics for opening and closing arguments. They are responsive, meticulous and talented.

Tyler HudsonWagstaff & Cartmell, Kansas City, MO

I have used Tom as a jury consultant on multiple cases and he has proven to be very insightful and a key member of the trial team--money well spent.

Guy MichelsonCorr Cronin Michelson Baumgardner Fogg & Moore, LLP, Seattle, WA