Maximizing Focus Group Insights: A Guide to Reflective Practices [Ep 130]
Release Date: 01/01/2025
![Why Trial Lawyers Use Focus Groups, It’s Not What You Think [Ep 155] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/39417835?height=50&width=50)
Why Trial Lawyers Use Focus Groups, It’s Not What You Think [Ep 155]
Trial Lawyer Prep
We're going back to the basics this week, asking, "Why do trial lawyers even do focus groups?" Focus groups are not primarily for determining case value or winning cases. Instead, focus groups provide valuable insights into jury perceptions, case weaknesses, and effective storytelling strategies. I share some real-life examples of effective use of focus groups, including a doozy of an example that, although it was a rough go, it left the lawyer with much more clarity on the path forward, and where to concentrate their time. In this episode, you will learn: How...
info_outline![Comparison: A Powerful and Simple Persuasion Tool for the Courtroom [Ep 154] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/39198765?height=50&width=50)
Comparison: A Powerful and Simple Persuasion Tool for the Courtroom [Ep 154]
Trial Lawyer Prep
In this week's episode, we're looking at a powerful and often overlooked tool for persuasion: side-by-side comparisons. Discover how this method can simplify complex information and sway jury decisions in your favor. I shares practical insights from my virtual focus groups, which offer strategic ways to leverage this tool throughout your case. Our brains respond intrinsically to visual comparisons, and I'll show you how to implement this tactic in opening statements, mediation packets, and beyond. Learn how side-by-side comparisons can become your secret weapon for a...
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No Voir Dire? Here’s A Way to Create Your Own Secret Weapon [Ep 153]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Today, we're talking about the advantages of using virtual focus groups to enhance jury selection, especially in jurisdictions with limited voir dire. I share a real-life success story where a lawyer used virtual focus groups and a detailed jury research chart to navigate a challenging trial with confidence. We then look at the nuts and bolts of how to conduct virtual focus groups, create insightful jury profiles, and maximize the value of focus group feedback. By analyzing qualitative data from focus groups, lawyers can identify potential jurors who may not align with their...
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The Art of Teamwork: Winning a $27+ million dollar verdict, with John Heenan [Ep 152]
Trial Lawyer Prep
In our last episode, we heard from Tim Bechtold, whose perseverance ultimately led to a verdict in Montana of over $27 million for his client. Today, we're joined by Tim's partner in the case, John Heenan, for his perspective on the process and the role he played in achieving the result, particularly as someone who joined late in the day to help push it over the finish line. We talk about how to approach the trial, the importance of adding someone new to a team for crucial fresh perspectives, and advice for working with conservative mentalities on juries and trial presentation....
info_outline![Winning a $27 Million Verdict After YEARS of Fighting, with Tim Bechtold [Ep 151] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/38726840?height=50&width=50)
Winning a $27 Million Verdict After YEARS of Fighting, with Tim Bechtold [Ep 151]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Tim Bechtold spent years fighting a a civil rights case involving a prisoner from the Montana State Prison System. In today's conversation, we look at the intricacies of the case, detailing the client's wrongful conviction, subsequent assault in a private prison, and the challenges faced due to procedural delays and missed deadlines. However, the perseverance of Tim and his team ultimately culminated in a favorable verdict and a reward of just over $27 million. Tim explains the importance of a focus group in shaping their trial strategy and reflects on the quick-paced...
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Three Case-Saving Focus Groups to do in Discovery [Ep 150]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Our episode this week demonstrates why even small focus groups can go a long way towards saving your case. Running focus groups in discovery can accomplish a lot in even just 50 minutes, giving you data and analysis that you simply wouldn't have otherwise. I outline three specific types of focus groups that can save cases: neutral narratives, timelines, and deposition preparation. Each type serves a unique purpose in helping lawyers understand their cases better, identify weaknesses, and prepare their clients for testimony. We want our clients to do the best job possible,...
info_outline![Jury Selection: What's Broken With Traditional Methods? with Sharif Gray [Ep 149] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/38298595?height=50&width=50)
Jury Selection: What's Broken With Traditional Methods? with Sharif Gray [Ep 149]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Are you willing to be bold and confront jury selection challenges head-on? Sharif Gray is here to share his perspective on jury selection, turning the tables on some of the assumptions and stereotypes that we often associate with the process and suggesting that instead, we take potential concerns and weaknesses and turn them to our advantage. In so doing, you will demonstrate credibility, authenticity, trust and respect, for the potential jurors, the judge and even the defence. "We're there for fairness. So I'm looking for jurors who are going to do right by my client, but...
info_outline![Surprising Insights Not Typically Expected by Lawyers, with Sheila Wilkinson (part two) [Ep 148] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37930245?height=50&width=50)
Surprising Insights Not Typically Expected by Lawyers, with Sheila Wilkinson (part two) [Ep 148]
Trial Lawyer Prep
We turn to focus groups for different perspectives, different viewpoints and unexpected interpretations. But sometimes, these insights can really catch us off guard, even when we think we already know the case. My good friend Sheila Wilkinson and I continue our conversation from Episode 147, and talk about why teaching lawyers to see their cases through fresh eyes changes everything. Sheila has her own revelations about what focus groups really reveal, and shares her own unique insight as a combined licensed attorney, licensed social worker, educator and coach. Sheila loves to share her...
info_outline![The Transformative Power of Focus Groups with Sheila Wilkinson Part One [Ep 147] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37928165?height=50&width=50)
The Transformative Power of Focus Groups with Sheila Wilkinson Part One [Ep 147]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Why are focus groups so transformative to the legal field? Today I invited my friend and fellow lawyer Shelia Wilkinson for a "podcast takeover" - Sheila becomes the interviewer, and asks me about my background and what brought me to doing this unique work of running focus groups for lawyers. We look at the methods and motivations I use, the value of focus groups in legal practice, how groups help lawyers communicate effectively, identify key case elements, and enhance overall strategy. Focus groups can transform a legal practice by offering a clearer perspective and...
info_outline![How to Build Confidence in Your Clients During Depo Prep [Ep 146] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37738240?height=50&width=50)
How to Build Confidence in Your Clients During Depo Prep [Ep 146]
Trial Lawyer Prep
Explore the importance of building confidence in clients for depositions in this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, hosted by Elizabeth Larrick. Learn the difference between confident witnesses and ego-driven witnesses, and discover practical strategies for instilling confidence in clients ahead of their depositions. Elizabeth emphasizes using clients' words, co-creating preparation materials with them, and offering positive feedback. The goal is to help clients believe in their stories and communicate them effectively under questioning. We also look at the importance of role...
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