Themis offers assistance and support to attorneys in jury analysis and selection. We have served in as limited a capacity as a “second-chair” non-lawyer assistant and consultant for small or solo practitioners in conducting void dire and selecting juries at both civil and criminal trials. Because of our experience and efficiency, we can provide such assistance more inexpensively than by utilization of another attorney for this role, even (considering the time value of such associates or partners) one from the litigator’s own firm.
The critical importance of voir dire and [jury analysis generally] is illustrated by research demonstrating that approximately 80 percent of jurors make up their minds by the conclusion of opening statements. Other research . . . suggests that jurors’ decisions are made even earlier. Seventy to seventy-five percent of jurors have a “definite” opinion about who is right in the case by the end of voir dire. Almost half have a strong preference for who should win after they have heard from the judge the bare minimum of who the parties are and what claims or charges are involved.”
Starr and McCormick, Jury Selection 237 (Aspen 3d ed. 2001).