Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jury Research Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jury Research Technician, you are the operational backbone of our litigation and jury consulting services. You will be instrumental in the planning, execution, and technical support of pre-trial research projects, including mock trials and focus groups. This role requires a unique combination of technical proficiency, meticulous organization, and composure under pressure. You will work directly with jury consultants, attorneys, and mock jurors, ensuring that the logistical and technological aspects of our research are seamless, allowing for the collection of high-quality, actionable data that shapes trial strategy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent graduates with degrees in Social Sciences, Communications, or Legal Studies.
AV Technician or Live Event Production Assistant.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant with a technology focus.

Advancement To:

Senior Jury Research or Trial Technology Consultant.
Project Manager, Litigation Support.
Director of Trial Technology.

Lateral Moves:

Litigation Paralegal.
E-Discovery Specialist.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the end-to-end recruitment and screening process for mock jurors and focus group participants based on specific demographic and psychographic criteria.
Coordinate all logistical aspects of research events, including venue selection, catering, travel arrangements, and on-site registration.
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot a wide range of audio-visual equipment, including projectors, screens, microphones, speakers, and video cameras for live research sessions.
Prepare and manage electronic trial presentations, including synchronizing video depositions, editing video/audio clips, and organizing case documents using specialized trial software.
Facilitate the collection of quantitative and qualitative data from mock jurors through electronic polling systems, written questionnaires, and dial-testing hardware.
Operate presentation technology and display evidence in real-time during mock trial presentations and focus group discussions, responding dynamically to consultant and attorney cues.
Ensure the secure handling and strict confidentiality of all case materials, research data, and participant information.
Provide direct technical support to legal teams and consultants in "hot seat" trial settings, managing all electronic evidence presentation in the courtroom.
Create and manage databases of potential research participants, ensuring data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations.
Assemble and prepare all necessary research materials, including participant binders, case summaries, verdict forms, and supplemental questionnaires.
Conduct post-project breakdown, including equipment inventory, data backup, and shipping of materials back to the home office.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and assist consultants with preliminary data tabulation and exploratory data analysis from research projects.
Contribute to the organization's knowledge base by documenting best practices for technology setup and project execution.
Collaborate with internal business units to translate data and technology needs from legal teams into effective engineering and logistical requirements.
Participate in internal sprint planning and agile ceremonies to improve research methodologies and technological offerings.
Assist in the creation and formatting of client-facing reports and PowerPoint presentations summarizing research findings.
Perform routine maintenance, inventory, and software updates on all company-owned AV and research technology equipment.
Travel extensively, often on short notice, to client offices, research facilities, and courthouses across the country.
Research and evaluate new technologies, software, and tools that could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of jury research and trial presentation.
Provide training and technical guidance to new team members and junior staff on equipment operation and project protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

AV Equipment Proficiency: Deep understanding of setting up and operating professional audio-visual systems, including digital mixers, wireless microphones, projectors, and video switchers.
Trial Presentation Software: Expertise in industry-standard software such as TrialDirector, OnCue, or Sanction for managing and presenting electronic evidence.
MS Office Suite Mastery: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint for creating compelling presentations and Excel for data organization and basic analysis.
Survey & Data Collection Tools: Experience with survey platforms like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey and electronic polling/dial-testing hardware.
Video/Audio Editing: Competency in editing video clips and synchronizing deposition video with transcripts using tools like Adobe Premiere or similar software.
IT & Network Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve common computer hardware, software, and basic networking issues under pressure.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to logistics, data entry, and equipment setup to ensure flawless project execution.
Poise Under Pressure: Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor and think critically while troubleshooting technical issues in high-stakes environments.
Superior Organizational & Time Management Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with shifting deadlines and priorities.
Proactive Problem-Solving: A forward-thinking mindset to anticipate potential challenges and implement solutions before they become problems.
Client Service Orientation: A strong commitment to providing outstanding support and building rapport with attorneys, consultants, and colleagues.
Discretion and Confidentiality: Unwavering ability to handle sensitive and confidential legal information with the utmost integrity.
Excellent Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, clients, and research participants.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Psychology, Sociology, Political Science
Communications, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law
Computer Science, Information Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-4 years of professional experience in a related role.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a law firm, litigation support vendor, or market research company is highly desirable.
Demonstrable experience with live event production or managing the technical aspects of meetings and conferences.