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

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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

Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Are you confident in knowing the difference between trial strategy and trial tactics? Because ultimately the question is, does your jury understand what you're doing? Today, we're looking at how to identify a clear strategy as the overarching theme that guides the trial, followed by the tactics to achieve that strategy. There's a risk of confusing the two, including wasted time and causing confusion for jurors. The best strategies combine preparation and flexibility when you're in the courtroom. And remember, focus groups can test strategies early in the trial preparation process, showing you where to refine those strategies early. In this episode:

• Confusing strategy and tactics can lead to juror confusion.
• Tactics should be flexible and adaptable during trial.
• Jurors expect consistency in case presentation.
• Wasting time on tactics without a clear theme can cost cases.
• Focus groups can help test and refine trial strategies early.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Trial Strategy v. Trial Tactics: Why Lawyers Confuse Them and What it Costs You [Ep 158]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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

Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

"What part of this story just doesn't hit you right?" How would a potential juror answer that question? We're talking about gut feeling, instinctive reaction: something that's there, and they're trying to put their finger on it. These are very good avenues to explore in focus groups, and can uncover emotional and cognitive responses that you weren't expecting. Today's episode features three questions that are deceptively simple yet powerful in their nuance and framing. Successfully applying them will not only make your case stronger, but help you be much better prepared for what the other side is thinking as well. In this episode:

• Strategic questions can reveal case weaknesses effectively.
• There are hidden weaknesses in your case that you may not see.
• Asking jurors to explain the case in their own words can uncover confusion.
• Emotional responses are crucial in jury decision-making.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Three Focus Group Questions You can Use to Reveal Hidden Case Weaknesses [Ep 157]

Are you a lawyer looking to run your own virtual focus groups? I have a free starter kit that can help you get started that includes checklists, questionnaires, confidentiality forms and more!

Use this link to download: https://elizabethlarrick.kit.com/diyvirtualfocusgroups

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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

Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

It's your favorite episodes, topics and themes from Trial Lawyer Prep in 2025, as reflected by the data: you know how much we love facts! I look at what you enjoyed the most, and why, with all the links below if you want to revisit or catch up on these episodes and their valuable information. I'm excited in 2026 to bring you more content on trial strategy, more inspiring guests, and useful tools that help us in our preparation as trial lawyers. I love providing advice and insight to help you present the best case possible, whether you're a long time listener or brand new to the podcast. And if you want to start off 2026 with a focus group, or you're curious about it, don't forget to book a free consultation call:

www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

In this episode:

• Discover the most popular episodes of 2025, based on your engagement.
• Learn what were the three most listened-to topics of the year.
• Find out why lawyers often underutilize their own focus group insights.
• Remember that early focus groups can help in strategic thinking.
• Going through focus group transcripts can hold valuable insights for lawyers.
• Why the eight-second rule is vital for grabbing attention.

Top Guest Episodes:

Sharif Gray: Challenging Traditional Jury Selection Methods Ep 149

Ben Gideon: How Trial Lawyers can Better Assess Risk Ep 138

Dina Cataldo: Trial Management for Trial Lawyers Ep 133

Top Topic Episodes:

The 8 Second Rule That's Costing You Verdicts Ep 144

Rewiring Witness Prep: 3 Brain Science Strategies Every Trial Lawyer Needs [Ep 143]

What Trial Strategy Is and What it is Not Ep 131

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: What Trial Lawyers Loved in 2025: Guests, Topics & Focus Group Trends [Ep 156]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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

Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

We're going back to the basics this week, asking, "Why do trial lawyers even do focus groups?" Focus groups are not primarily for determining case value or winning cases. Instead, focus groups provide valuable insights into jury perceptions, case weaknesses, and effective storytelling strategies. I share some real-life examples of effective use of focus groups, including a doozy of an example that, although it was a rough go, it left the lawyer with much more clarity on the path forward, and where to concentrate their time. In this episode, you will learn:

• How focus groups help in understanding jurors' perspectives.
• How focus groups allow for deeper conversations.
• Why starting your opening in the right place is key.
• The hidden attitudes that can be revealed by focus groups.
• How to build a stronger case, thanks to the feedback you receive.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Why Trial Lawyers Use Focus Groups, It's Not What You Think [Ep 155]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Elizabeth offers virtual focus groups with several options. Book a free call with the link below to find out the options for your case:

• https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

Don't miss out on the additional free tips and strategies Elizabeth provides via email in her Trial Lawyer Prep newsletter. Sign up here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

In this week's episode, we're looking at a powerful and often overlooked tool for persuasion: side-by-side comparisons. Discover how this method can simplify complex information and sway jury decisions in your favor. I shares practical insights from my virtual focus groups, which offer strategic ways to leverage this tool throughout your case. Our brains respond intrinsically to visual comparisons, and I'll show you how to implement this tactic in opening statements, mediation packets, and beyond. Learn how side-by-side comparisons can become your secret weapon for a better case outcome. And book a free consultation for virtual focus groups using the link below. In this episode, you will learn:

• How our brains always look for patterns, and how comparison is a powerful persuasion tool.
• How our brains also crave easy decisions, and comparisons helps clarify positions.
• How focus groups reveal jury preferences.
• How to use comparison in your opening statements.
• Why visual aids are crucial for understanding.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: A Powerful and Simple Persuasion Tool for the Courtroom [Ep 154]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:

• https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Today, we're talking about the advantages of using virtual focus groups to enhance jury selection, especially in jurisdictions with limited voir dire. I share a real-life success story where a lawyer used virtual focus groups and a detailed jury research chart to navigate a challenging trial with confidence. We then look at the nuts and bolts of how to conduct virtual focus groups, create insightful jury profiles, and maximize the value of focus group feedback. By analyzing qualitative data from focus groups, lawyers can identify potential jurors who may not align with their case, thereby making informed decisions during jury selection. This episode is a great starting point for learning practical strategies to better understand jurors, identifying their emotional engagement, and improve your overall trial strategy. In this episode, you will learn:

• Creating a jury research profile helps identify unfavorable jurors.
• Demographics alone are insufficient; life experiences matter too.
• Judges may make impulsive decisions during voir dire.
• Multiple focus groups enhance confidence in jury selection.
• Transcripts from focus groups are crucial for extracting insights.
• There is no perfect method for jury selection, but strategies can improve outcomes.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: No Voir Dire? Here's A Way to Create Your Own Secret Weapon [Ep 153]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources From This Episode:

Case Study: How Virtual Focus Groups flipped Disputed Liability (blog) Jury Selection: What's Broken With Traditional Methods? with Sharif Gray [Ep 149]

Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:

• https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here:

• www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

In our last episode, we heard from Tim Bechtold, whose perseverance ultimately led to a verdict in Montana of over $27 million for his client. Today, we're joined by Tim's partner in the case, John Heenan, for his perspective on the process and the role he played in achieving the result, particularly as someone who joined late in the day to help push it over the finish line. We talk about how to approach the trial, the importance of adding someone new to a team for crucial fresh perspectives, and advice for working with conservative mentalities on juries and trial presentation. John emphasizes the importance of empowering jurors and leveraging collaboration to achieve results in the courtroom, while also reminding us of how we can measure success, keeping an honest assessment of our role in the outcome. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: The Art of Teamwork: Winning a $27+ million dollar verdict, with John Heenan [Ep 152] Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Guest John Heenan of Heenan & Cooke Trial Lawyers, Montana.

www.lawmontana.com

Contact John directly at [email protected]

Books recommended by John:

• Carl Bettinger, Twelve Heroes, One Voice: Guiding Jurors to Courageous Verdicts
• David Ball, David Ball on Damages, 3
• Nick Rowley and Steven Halteman, Trial By Human

Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.

Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Tim Bechtold spent years fighting a a civil rights case involving a prisoner from the Montana State Prison System. In today's conversation, we look at the intricacies of the case, detailing the client's wrongful conviction, subsequent assault in a private prison, and the challenges faced due to procedural delays and missed deadlines. However, the perseverance of Tim and his team ultimately culminated in a favorable verdict and a reward of just over $27 million. Tim explains the importance of a focus group in shaping their trial strategy and reflects on the quick-paced nature of their trial, as well as the broader implications of justice and advocacy for marginalized communities. Tim Bechtold is a Montana-based trial lawyer known for his work in civil rights and environmental law. In this episode, you will learn about:

• How the case of Nate Lake highlights systemic issues in the justice system.
• How the verdict of over $27 million underscores the importance of accountability.
• Why justice for marginalized communities often requires persistence and dedication.
• The role of storytelling in trials that is crucial for juror engagement.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: Winning a $27 Million Verdict After YEARS of Fighting, with Tim Bechtold [Ep 151]

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Guest Tim Bechtold of Bechtold Law Firm, Montana.

Contact Tim directly at [email protected]

$27.75 million dollar verdict (KRTV news)

Northern Cheyenne v. BIA verdict (Daily Montanan)

Tim's Environmental Work: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5416766

2025 Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award - AAJ: https://www.justice.org/membership/awards

2025 Montana Trial Lawyer of the Year Award: https://www.monttla.com/?pg=historical

Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.

Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Our episode this week demonstrates why even small focus groups can go a long way towards saving your case. Running focus groups in discovery can accomplish a lot in even just 50 minutes, giving you data and analysis that you simply wouldn't have otherwise. I outline three specific types of focus groups that can save cases: neutral narratives, timelines, and deposition preparation. Each type serves a unique purpose in helping lawyers understand their cases better, identify weaknesses, and prepare their clients for testimony. We want our clients to do the best job possible, so why not give them a leg up and do a focus group test run, to help figure out where jurors will land on the testimony. In this episode, you will learn:

• How focus groups can save your case during discovery.
• Understanding jury perception is crucial for case strategy.
• How fresh perspectives can break stuck thinking in cases.
• Identifying assumptions early can guide case direction.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

You can watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: @ElizabethLarrick

Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:

• https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick