Chris Dolan

Chris Dolan

This program is designed to illustrate the core principles of Jury selection through education, application, and participant experience.

A lecture on core principles and techniques used to identify, reveal, and record both actual and implied juror bias to aid in juror “self-deselection” will be provided based on a fact pattern from an actual MTBI and loss of consortium case in which over 40 jurors were excluded for either cause or implied bias. The lecture will encompass topics such as the use of a juror questionnaire, the selection of themes to be explored, the phrasing of questions, relationship building with the panel, de-vilifying plaintiffs lawyers, frivolous verdicts, being bold and unafraid of “poisoning” the jury, willingness to consider large awards, projecting the appearance of unbiased fact-finding and protection of the rights to a fair trial for both parties. Participants will learn techniques on turning jury selection into a focus group, promoting the willingness of jurors to express unfavorable opinions, and developing a prophylactic against “juror rehabilitation” by the defense. A transcript of an actual voir dire and a well-developed juror questionnaire will be provided to all participants.

Chris Dolan

Participants will personally engage in employing the techniques they have been exposed to with a “jury of their peers,” other lawyers in the cohort. Real-time feedback will be provided along with evaluative encouragement. A prerequisite for breakout participants is attendance at the lecture.

For the breakout participants, there will be a pre-conference Zoom meeting with Chris to identify participants’ goals and objectives, experience level, and to “set the stage” for the experience. Members of this cohort will fill out a “juror questionnaire” prior to the program. The participants will experience “both sides” of the voir dire process, in the capacity both as counsel and juror, to gain unique and invaluable insight.

Lawyers of all levels of experience are encouraged to attend and participate in the breakout session. Those with no experience find the experience unlike any other and walk out with knowledge of their skills, appreciation of their strengths, and a clear understanding of areas in which they need further development. Experienced lawyers will also benefit from exposure to a different, or complimentary, set of tools and techniques and can provide benefit to the cohort through their own wealth of experience.