Open to WVTLA Members Only
Overcoming Jury Bias with Focus Groups
November 11 – 12, 2005
Stonewall Resort
10.8 CLE Hours
Register On-Line
86% of Americans believe that they are paying more for products and services because of civil litigation
75% of Americans believe that useful products will be taken off the market because of civil litigation
72% of Americans believe that doctors and hospitals will turn away patients because of medical malpractice lawsuits
77% believe that jury awards are larger than ever
The conservative media, propaganda from pro-tort reform groups and legislative changes to our civil justice system have led West Virginians to believe that we are facing a "lawsuit crisis." For the trial attorney representing an injured party before a West Virginia jury—even in our most rural counties—it is becoming increasingly difficult to select jurors who are not unduly biased by the myths about our civil justice system and will render a fair verdict.
Overcoming Jury Bias
In this two-day seminar, you will learn how to overcome jury biases by testing your messages and strategy.
You will be able to:
- Recruit and conduct focus groups
- Present your case information to focus groups
- Obtain and analyze the information you receive from your focus groups
- Use the Overcoming Jury Bias Model to take that information and design your winning trial or mediation/arbitration strategy
Instructor Jim Lees will conduct two live focus groups during the seminar using the facts from a real personal injury case while you watch and listen through closed-circuit video feeds. In the Concept Focus Group, learn how to present your facts one at a time for discussion and feedback. In the Structured Focus Group, learn how to present and test opening and closing arguments to a mock jury that then deliberates the merits of the case.
Schedule
Friday, November 11*
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Seminar Check-In
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. An Overview of Focus Groups
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Juror Attitudes in American Juries
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Toolbox of Psychological Techniques
* The Friday evening training includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks
Saturday, November 12
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Case Overview
8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Concept Focus Groups with live demonstration
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Analyzing Focus Group Information and Development of
Trial Strategy Plan
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Structured Focus Group with live demonstration
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Analysis of Focus Group Information, Conclusion and Comments
4:30 p.m. Adjourn
About the Instructor: Jim Lees
An attorney with more than 20 years experience practicing law in West Virginia, Jim is a 1977 graduate of the Wake Forest University College of Law. He is a 1974 graduate of West Virginia University. His practice areas include criminal defense, contract litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, product liability, legal malpractice and civil defense. He is a frequent lecturer and presenter for ATLA, state TLAs and law schools and has presented his focus group seminar throughout the country. Jim is the current co-chairperson of the ATLA National College of Advocacy’s Board of Trustees.
Fees & Registration
There will be no on-sight registration for this training. To register, complete the form provided.
Early Registration Discount $150 (through 10/1)
Registration $175
Staff $50
(due to limited space, staff registration is limited to one per firm through 10/15)
Students $25
Faculty & Judges Free
Resort Reservations
A WVTLA special rate of just $128.38 per night includes lodging, taxes and your daily resort fee. The fee covers admission to the park, the fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, etc. WVTLA members and their guests can play Stonewall’s championship golf course for just $50 per person and save 10 percent on all services at the resort’s spa.
To reserve your room, call (304)269-7400 and mention that you are with the WVTLA group. To receive your discount and other benefits, you must register by October 12, 2005.
About Stonewall Resort
Stonewall Resort is among West Virginia’s premier resorts and conference centers, blending luxury accommodations, lakeside cottages, spa services and golf with water sports and outdoor recreation. Set among lush, rolling hills overlooking Stonewall Jackson Lake, the Adirondack-style lodge features spacious guest rooms and suites as well as outstanding restaurants. Leisure activities and recreation are virtually endless with an Arnold Palmer 18-hole championship golf course, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and complete spa and salon services. Additional recreation activities are available in surrounding Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park.
www.stonewallresort.com
Sponsors
Robson Forensic
Lapina and Associates
Special thanks to Richard Katz and Katz Consulting Group for use of audiovisual equipment.
WVAJ AFFINITY PARTNERS
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