Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jury Consultant Intern

🎯 Role Definition

Ever wondered what truly sways a jury? As a Jury Consultant Intern, you're not just an observer in the legal world; you're at the heart of trial strategy. This role is a unique and intense blend of social science research, legal analysis, and strategic communication. You'll work directly with seasoned consultants and legal teams to understand juror decision-making, craft compelling case narratives, and prepare for the high-stakes environment of the courtroom. It's an unparalleled opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world legal challenges and see firsthand how psychology influences justice.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Psychology or Sociology Undergraduate/Graduate Programs
Law School (1L or 2L students)
Communications or Political Science Studies

Advancement To:

Jury Consultant / Trial Consultant
Litigation Research Analyst
Director of Jury Research

Lateral Moves:

Market Research Analyst
Communications Strategist
Legal Operations Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively participate in the setup, execution, and breakdown of litigation research projects like mock trials and focus groups, including recruiting and managing mock jurors.
Conduct quantitative analysis of supplemental juror questionnaire data and mock trial results using statistical software (like SPSS or R) to identify trends and predictive variables.
Perform qualitative analysis of mock jury deliberations, open-ended survey responses, and post-verdict interviews to uncover key themes, juror biases, and case vulnerabilities.
Assist in the development of juror profiles and voir dire questions designed to identify potentially biased or unfavorable jurors during the jury selection process.
Help craft and refine case themes, arguments, and narratives based on empirical feedback gathered from research exercises.
Observe and code live or recorded courtroom proceedings, depositions, or mock exercises to evaluate witness performance and juror reactions.
Contribute to the drafting of comprehensive client reports and presentations that synthesize complex research findings into actionable, strategic recommendations.
Assist senior consultants in preparing witnesses for testimony, providing feedback on communication style, clarity, and persuasiveness.
Conduct extensive background research on trial venues, analyzing community attitudes, demographic data, and historical verdict trends to inform case strategy.
Develop and program online surveys and juror questionnaires to assess public opinion and attitudes relevant to specific case issues.
Monitor media coverage and social media conversations related to high-profile cases to gauge public sentiment and potential jury pool contamination.
Take detailed, verbatim notes during client meetings, mock trial deliberations, and other research events to ensure accurate data capture.
Help manage the logistics of research projects, including coordinating with venues, catering, and audiovisual vendors to ensure smooth execution.
Create compelling visual aids, graphics, and demonstratives to present research data and case arguments clearly and persuasively to legal teams.
Support the jury selection process in real-time by tracking juror responses, managing cause challenges, and providing strategic input on peremptory strikes.

Secondary Functions

Conduct literature reviews on topics in social psychology, communication, and legal decision-making to support case strategies and internal knowledge development.
Assist in maintaining and updating internal databases of case information, juror demographics, and research findings for future analysis.
Provide administrative and logistical support for trial teams on-site, which may include document management and courtroom technology setup.
Proofread and edit client-facing reports, presentations, and other deliverables to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism.
Help assemble and prepare research materials, including case summaries, exhibit binders, and questionnaires for mock jurors.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in using statistical software such as SPSS, R, or Stata for quantitative data analysis.
Qualitative Data Analysis: Experience with methods for analyzing non-numerical data like interview transcripts and open-ended survey responses.
Research Methodology: Strong understanding of social science research design, including survey construction and experimental methods.
Legal & Social Science Research: Ability to efficiently find and synthesize information from academic journals, legal databases, and public records.
Data Visualization: Skill in creating clear and impactful charts, graphs, and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Excel, or Tableau.
Public Speaking & Presentation: Confidence and clarity when presenting findings or assisting in presentations to small groups.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Analytical Problem-Solving: The ability to deconstruct complex problems, identify key variables, and draw logical, evidence-based conclusions.
Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication: Must be able to articulate complex psychological and statistical concepts clearly and concisely to a non-expert audience.
Discretion and Confidentiality: Unquestionable integrity and the ability to handle highly sensitive client and case information with complete confidentiality.
High Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy is required for data entry, analysis, and report writing, as small errors can have significant consequences.
Adaptability and Composure Under Pressure: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an undergraduate program from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate-level program (e.g., Master's, Ph.D., or J.D.).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Psychology (especially Social, Cognitive, or Experimental)
Sociology or Criminology
Law
Communications
Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years. This is an entry-level or internship role designed for students or recent graduates with a strong academic foundation.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a social science research lab, a legal setting (like a law firm or public defender's office), or involvement in extracurricular activities like mock trial or debate is highly advantageous.