Fear and Loathing in a Post-Pandemic Jury
Friday, April 16, 2021

The question that has dominated our profession during the shutdown of the court system is how the coronavirus pandemic will impact juror decision-making. There are two components to consider when determining how the pandemic will affect the jury system. One component is the way the pandemic affects jurors' attitudes, inclinations and overall feelings about case issues. The second way the pandemic has affected jury dynamics is the composition of the jury pool itself.

Your Jury Box in the 21st Century - Getting to Know (and Manage) the Millennial Juror
Friday, May 1, 2020

Forrest Gump's mother said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." This analogy also applies to juror demographics. When discussing litigation and the possibility of trial—you just never know who will show up in your jury box. Read on to learn more about generational juror differences in this article authored by Larry Beemer, Dave Zehner, Mark Worischeck, Dan Longo, and Sarah Pacini.

Where Do We go From Here?
Thursday, April 30, 2020

During these unprecedented times, we at Zehner Trial Consulting, like most people, are wondering what the world will look like after restrictions are eased and what will be the “new normal”. More specifically to us, how recent events will shape jury research in the near future, and will any of the changes implemented permanently change how we conduct business.

And Then There Were None
Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The group dynamic of juries and the individual desire of jurors to avoid conflict impacts the way that juries reach consensus, including determining the amount of damages awarded. Understanding these dynamics will allow you to set the stage for a more favorable outcome to your case.

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: How Jurors Translate Views on Liability into Damages
Thursday, October 31, 2019

As jury consultants, one of the most commonly asked questions we get is “How do jurors make decisions on damages in civil matters?”  Having watched mock juror groups deliberate on hundreds of cases, there is a pattern or loose structure to jurors’ decisions on damages.

Juror Cognition: The Case Against Making an Alternative Damage Award
Thursday, February 22, 2018

Jury research exercises using a match test methodology demonstrates why an alternative damage award is harmful to the defense. The reasons and methodology behind this declaration are explained in this article.

Eleven Angry Men and One Retired President?
Thursday, February 22, 2018

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 7, 2017
by Jury Consultant Dave Zehner and Attorney Karen Conti

A humorous article by Trial Consultant Dave Zehner and attorney Karen Conti that explores the implications when a famous person such as former President Barack Obama serves on a jury.

Collaboration with Center for Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University
Friday, December 1, 2017

by Jury Consultant Dave Zehner

Kerry Masterson, who spent 8 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a 2009 murder, has been exonerated. Zehner Trial Consulting is proud to have assisted in her defense by providing pro bono mock trial and jury selection services for the retrial of her 2011 felony murder conviction.

Center on Wrongful Convictions Client Kerry Masterson Acquitted of 2009 Murder
Monday, November 6, 2017

Article discussing the exoneration of Kerry Masterson of felony murder, which was accomplished with the assistance of Zehner Trial Consulting.