Home - Sound Jury Consulting

Strategy . Research . Graphics

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 1 day ago

Interesting stat from our nat'l survey on COVID & juries. Might not look informative since the bias doesn't strongly favor one side, but the more important point is that 38% of respondents have a bias, which means you need to spend time in voir dire to uncover it where it exists. https://t.co/i4htpKH7uk

Tom OToole 1 week ago

Our national survey of over 1,000 jury-eligible participants found that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on how jurors view damages in lawsuits. Nearly half of all respondents said it would change the amount they might award in a lawsuit. https://t.co/0mkUY43Ro9

Tom OToole 3 weeks ago

This mock jury clip highlights the importance of the overall performance of a witness. Notice how this mock juror says up front that he may have some good arguments, but then unloads on him. Get your key witnesses in some prep sessions, folks! https://t.co/0mmXSKKwjW

Tom OToole 3 weeks ago

Here is an interesting interview I did for Actuarial Review back in July on the topic of nuclear verdicts. I did not realize until this past weekend that this article had already been published:

Tom OToole 4 weeks ago

Excited to announce that the book I co-authored with Ron Clark and Patrick Muscat on Trial Graphics has finally gone to print. It covers everything from the 101 to complex designs for different persuasive needs. Order on Amazon or direct from publisher: https://t.co/st3bQSOUKy

Tom OToole 4 weeks ago

If it wasn't already hard enough for plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases, our survey data suggests the pandemic could make it even harder for jurors to find against doctors. https://t.co/lppGLQjevB

Tom OToole 1 month ago

A new Legal Pad for your Friday afternoon. https://t.co/0hVECKKxJO

Tom OToole 1 month ago

Here's a great reminder as trials resume and attorneys are relying more on technology for their presentations. In short, don't bullet-point your jurors to death. https://t.co/l8fGAjn7ZZ

Tom OToole 1 month ago

Watch out insurance companies! Our national survey data shows that nearly a third of jury-eligible respondents indicated a decrease in their trust of insurance companies during the pandemic. https://t.co/6W9FNwPa2g

Tom OToole 3 months ago

This is interesting particularly since we know from the SJC Jury Analytics research that beliefs about the rich/poor gap are directly related to the amount of damages jurors award. https://t.co/BIQt4tOdGs

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