The Power of Jury Selection: Why Having an In-House Jury Consultant Matters
When a case goes to trial, much of the focus is often placed on evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments. But one of the most critical—and often underestimated—factors in the outcome of a trial happens before opening statements ever begin: jury selection, also known as voir dire.
At St. Johns Law Group, we take jury selection seriously. That is why we are proud to have an in-house jury consultant, Araan Burnett, as part of our trial team. Having a dedicated jury consultant involved from the earliest stages of trial preparation allows us to approach jury selection strategically, thoughtfully, and with our client’s best interests in mind.
What Is Jury Selection (Voir Dire)?
Jury selection, or voir dire, is the process by which attorneys and the court question potential jurors to determine whether they can be fair, impartial, and appropriate for a particular case. During this process, attorneys may ask jurors about their backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and potential biases.
The goal of voir dire is twofold:
- Identify jurors who may be unfairly biased or unsuitable, and
- Select a jury that can fairly evaluate the facts and legal issues of the case
Jurors bring their life experiences into the courtroom with them. Those experiences influence how they view credibility, responsibility, damages, and fairness. Effective jury selection helps ensure that those perspectives do not unfairly prejudice the case.
Why Jury Selection Can Determine the Outcome of a Case
A well-tried case can still fail if it is presented to a jury that is unreceptive to the issues involved. Conversely, a jury that understands the themes and human impact of a case is better positioned to fairly weigh the evidence and reach a just verdict.
Decisions about which jurors to seat and which jurors to strike can be critical. A single juror with strong, unexamined biases can influence deliberations and sway the outcome of the entire trial. Strategic jury selection helps reduce that risk and ensures the case is heard by jurors who can remain open-minded and attentive.
What Does a Jury Consultant Do?
A jury consultant brings specialized insight into how jurors think, process information, and respond to arguments. Their role extends beyond simply assisting with strikes during voir dire.
Our in-house jury consultant works closely with our attorneys to:
- Analyze juror responses and nonverbal cues during voir dire
- Identify potential biases that may not be obvious at first glance
- Assist in determining which jurors may be favorable—or unfavorable—to the case
- Help develop focused, effective jury selection questions
Because our jury consultant is part of our internal trial team, they are familiar with our attorneys, our trial style, and our case strategies.
Shaping Case Themes From the Start
One of the most valuable aspects of having an in-house jury consultant is their involvement well before trial begins.
Our jury consultant assists in formulating the central themes of the case, ensuring they are:
- Clear and relatable
- Consistent with how jurors naturally evaluate responsibility and fairness
- Reinforced throughout voir dire, testimony, and closing arguments
By identifying these themes early, jury selection questions can be carefully tailored to uncover jurors’ attitudes about the exact issues that will matter most at trial. This allows voir dire to do more than screen jurors—it helps set the stage for how the case will ultimately be understood.
Setting the Stage for Closing Argument
Effective jury selection is not an isolated step in the trial process. It directly impacts how jurors receive evidence and how they interpret closing arguments.
When jury selection is aligned with case themes:
- Jurors are primed to recognize key issues as evidence is presented
- Attorneys can use relatable examples that resonate with jurors’ real-world experiences
- Closing arguments feel logical and cohesive, rather than surprising or disconnected
A Strategic Advantage for Our Clients
Having an in-house jury consultant is not common. For our clients, it represents an added layer of preparation, insight, and commitment to trial excellence.
At St. Johns Law Group, we believe trial success is built on preparation, perspective, and precision. By integrating jury consulting directly into our trial strategy, we are better positioned to advocate effectively, present compelling arguments, and pursue the best possible outcomes for our clients.
If your case is headed to trial, every decision matters—starting with who sits in the jury box.
Talk to a Trial Attorney
If you have questions about litigation or trial strategy, contact St. Johns Law Group to schedule a consultation.