Marchant Consulting Group

3216 Montclaire Street, Sacramento CA 95821

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(916) 600-5998

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Full Customized Focus Group

THE MARCHANT CONSULTING GROUP

The Full Customized Focus Group is based on the case of your choosing. The focus group typically runs 5 – 7 hours and includes 8-10 participants. You provide the full case file, and we will become intimately familiar with the facts and nuances and able to neutrally present the critical details, including deposition clips, videos of the parties (including the client), exhibits, and timelines. The case is presented bit by bit, constantly seeking feedback from “jurors” during group discussion and with customized questionnaires. The “jurors” deliberate with a verdict form and jury instructions, and are debriefed at the end. If desired, attorneys are welcome to practice voir dire, opening statements, and closing arguments. The focus Group is livestreamed for ease of viewing. Facilitator provides detailed summary of “juror” feedback, including monetary estimates, recommended voir dire questions and “best jurors”, best and worst evidence, how to shape client and witness testimony, and timeline of events.

Modified Focus Group with MCLE Credits
Voir Dire – Making it Real
One-on-One Coaching
Quick feedback on trial exhibits
Deposition Summaries
Jury Selection and Post-Trial Interviews
Call: (916) 600-5998
Email: Almarchant@comcast.net
Details of the Day:
  1. Full case review conducted so that all details are at the facilitator’s fingertips.
  2. Client is videotaped in advance, from the perspective of a neutral questioner.
  3. Typically 5 – 7 hours long.
  4. Videostreaming sent to your preferred device, but you are also welcome to simply sit in on the day.
  5. Normally 8 – 10 participants selected to represent a wide range of backgrounds.
  6. “Jurors” complete a customized demographic questionnaire.
  7. Relaxed atmosphere conducive to lively discussion.
  8. Case is presented bit by bit, in a neutral fashion, constantly seeking feedback, questions, demands from the “jurors.”
  9. Presentation includes exhibits, depositions transcripts or video clips,
  10. Includes customized believability questionnaire, pre-deliberation questionnaire, and post-deliberation questionnaire.
  11. Simple spot-checks are taken throughout the day – both individually and as a group – to get a feel of where folks would stand with verdict questions.
  12. “Jurors” deliberate with an actual verdict form and jury instructions.
  13. Debrief after deliberation – attorneys may join in.
  14. Entire day is customized to your needs – attorneys are welcome to practice voir dire, opening statements, and closing arguments.
The tangible outcomes of the focus group typically include:
  1. Monetary estimates throughout the day, including “what goes too far.”
  2. Results of Juror Deliberation with a verdict form.
  3. Feedback on Jury Instructions – what was confusing, important, nonsensical.
  4. Predictability of pre-designed Voir Dire questions.
  5. General Themes of importance – with many quotes to give a full flavor of “juror” reactions.
  6. Best and Worst Evidence.
  7. “Bumper sticker” phrases to be used in trial.
  8. Recommendations regarding ideal jurors and jurors to avoid.
  9. Suggested Voir Dire questions and probes.
  10. Suggestions for shaping testimony, especially the client.
  11. Identification of evidence or testimony they feel is missing.
  12. Reactions to the client and how to modify testimony and behaviors.
  13. Recommendations for approach in opening/closing.
  14. Recommendations for focus or tailoring of expert witness testimony.
  15. Believability ratings for parties and experts.
  16. Individual and Group Responses – 
    1. Gut reactions?
    2. What is most important? 
    3. What makes them suspicious?
    4. Who they think is lying, what is missing? 
    5. What makes them angry or irritated? 
    6. What would change their mind?
  17. Recommended deposition clips to show or read.
  18. Identification of critical medical records or exhibits.
  19. Identification of evidence that would be helpful if excluded.
  20. Deposition summaries – may be customized to your preferences.
  21. Timeline/Chronology – Jurors almost always beg for a chronology, rarely get one, and often make their own during deliberation – typically based on poor memories and distortions. One will be prepared for the focus group, and modified after based on comments from “jurors.”