| Pretrial Research |
| Cases are won – or optimum settlements are obtained – by “out-preparing” the other side. Pretrial research in the form of focus groups and other exploratory jury simulations is essential in obtaining accurate evaluations of financial exposure and to ascertain how the litigants, evidence, themes and witnesses are likely to be viewed at the jury level. Pre-trial research, conducted early in litigation or even before filing a lawsuit, equips CSI’s clients with the ability to approach settlement negotiations scientifically, maximizing strategic positioning. Research of this type is designed to avoid the common pitfall of being more clever than correct when it comes to determining the true strengths and vulnerabilities of a case. |
| Focus Group Formats |
| CSI conducts focus groups in many formats. CSI employs rigorous, field-tested research designs that allows research to be conducted within a variety of budget constraints. As just one example, the CSI Jury Simulation makes it possible for a trial team to test a case, live, before a panel of twelve jurors, and watch them deliberate to a verdict on the key issues in dispute—all for as little as $9,900. The enthusiastic response to and use of this program indicates that there is a huge demand for pretrial research that is both substantive and highly economical. CSI has always led by example with innovative, creative, and value-driven services that anticipate the evolution of litigation and meet the psychological and non-legal needs of juries nationwide. CSI employs a unique and innovative approach to litigation consulting, and our track record speaks to our countless successes. |
| Settlement Sciences |
Settlement attempts are often undertaken without an empirical basis for knowing what a jury would actually do with the case. At CSI, we are committed to the principle that data on actual case exposure, as determined by panels of mock jurors, provide invaluable tactical benefits.
CSI provides a menu of services to assist trial counsel in preparing case settlements, including pre-trial research and mediation package preparation that can include identification of salient deliberation group excerpts, as well as creative demonstrative aids that punctuate case themes. Other services include exhibit board preparation, “day in the life videos,” 2-D and 3-D animations and animated graphics, magnetic boards, and other multimedia services tailored to mesh seamlessly with your trial strategy. |
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| Jurors' life experiences and pre-disposed beliefs are etched in stone and deeply rooted, making them almost impossible to alter. |
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| A Juror might not even be conscious that he or she harbors prejudice regarding an issue until it is raised in oral arguments. |
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| "What can I learn early in the case, before the evidence is discovered?" |
| You can learn what it will take to prevail and avoid jury-level mistakes that could be prevented by researching the jury-box issues that drive the verdict. |
| This type of preparation includes pre-deposition work with witnesses to “meet the jury where they are” and avoid challenging jurors’ expectations with unappealing surprise testimony. Pre-trial research at any stage of a matter typically generates unanticipated, critical feedback that alters trial themes and theories in a decisive and effective manner. Contact CSI to learn more about the benefits of pre-trial research to your case. |
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