The jury selection process is changing and evolving. Are you willing to be bold and confront jury selection challenges head-on? This was a popular and very actionable conversation that I had with Sharif Gray last year, where we talked about what could be broken with your jury selection. We looked at assumptions and stereotypes that are often made, and I think it's a question worth returning to as we get deeper into 2026, when you may have trials coming up on the horizon. It could be very useful to consider these suggestions and tips when you're making important decisions on selecting, or deselecting, your jury members. Sharif turns the tables on many standard approaches and perspectives, and suggests that instead, we take potential concerns and weaknesses and turn them to our advantage. In so doing, you will demonstrate credibility, authenticity, trust and respect, for the potential jurors, the judge and even the defence. "We're there for fairness. So I'm looking for jurors who are going to do right by my client, but I'm also looking for jurors who are going to do right by the defense. Because it's not justice if you're going to close your eyes and just vote for my side every day of the week." - Sharif Gray. Sharif is a trial lawyer based in Richmond, Virginia, and the host of the Courtroom Stories and Tactics podcast, where he and his guests do deep dives on topics like voir dire, jury selection, the role of the legal system, and one of my favorites: focus groups! I was honored to be a guest on Sharif's show earlier this year. In this episode, you will learn about:

• Challenges in Traditional Jury Selection
• Building Credibility with the Jury
• Starting Jury Selection Right
• Effective Communication Techniques
• Building Credibility in the Courtroom
• Handling Juror Bias and Concerns

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Supporting Resources:

Guest Sharif Gray of Broughton Injury Law.

Find Broughton Injury Law here: graybroughton.com

Reach Sharif personally at RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com

Listen to Courtroom Stories and Tactics, by RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com/podcast/

Find my episode on Sharif's podcast: Mastering Witness Preparation Method and Focus Groups | with Elizabeth Larrick (Trial Consultant)

The Voir Dire to Verdict training event is happening again! October 23, 2026. Click here for more info

Email Sharif: [email protected]

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: Traditional Methods of Jury Selection are Broken! with Sharif Gray (replay) [Ep 159]

Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:

• www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

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