|
We receive far more inquires about trial consulting as a career than we can answer individually, so we offer this information here. We hope it is helpful.
Q: What kind of education and training do you need to become a trial consultant?
A: There are no set professional requirements for entering the field. People from varied educational and career backgrounds practice successfully as trial consultants. However, the required skills are those developed by good social science training:
 |
Understanding the processes and forces that shape human behavior.
|
|
|
The ability to carefully observe, record, and analyze human behavior.
|
|
|
The ability to design and carry out sound social research,
including design questionnaires and work with databases and database programs.
|
|
|
Mastery of basic statistical analysis.
|
|
|
Mastery of basic qualitative data analysis.
|
|
|
Strong analytical abilities.
|
|
|
Strong writing and presentation skills.
|
Many people assume that getting a law degree is the best way to become a trial consultant. It is not. As trial consultants, we are not experts in the law or legal reasoning. We are experts in jury behavior. While there are some trial consultants who have developed sharp jury skills while practicing as lawyers, usually lawyers are more interested in consulting with someone who offers a non-legal but informed perspective on trial and jury issues, such as a psychologist, anthropologist, or sociologist. Some trial consultants do have both Ph.D.s or M.A.s in a social science discipline and a J.D. There are some graduate programs in trial consulting that offer a joint J.D./Ph.D., which can be a good route if you know you want to practice as a trial consultant.
At Trial Behavior Consulting, all of our consultants and most of our research associates have advanced degrees in social science. Some consultants also have J.D. degrees.
Back to top
Q: How can I break into to the field of trial and jury consulting?
A: Trial and jury consulting nowadays is a tough field to break into. As with most professions, you will do best through networking and personal connections.
The American Society of Trial Consultants is a good place to start. Many members are happy to give advice and mentorship to aspiring consultants.
If you are an undergraduate or graduate student in a social science field, try contacting local trial consultants to arrange an internship. Be prepared to explain clearly what you have to offer (which could be your great attitude, your willingness to pitch in and help with weekend mock trials, or your knowledge of SPSS or other statistical software). Many larger law firms also now have in-house trial consultants. Contact the human resources department of the larger law firms in your area and see if they know of in-house trial consulting programs that might provide internship opportunities. Be aware that law and legal consulting are fast-paced and demanding, and many trial consultants will not have the time or patience to train a raw recruit. Don't take it personally if people appear brusque or unfriendly, or don't even respond to your emails or calls. You only need to find one person who will help.
If you are a professional social scientist looking to move out of academia or a research environment:
|
|
Prepare a resume that details your experience and a good cover letter that explains what you have to offer and why you think you would make a good consultant. Send it to firms in your area, or in areas where you are willing to work.
|
|
|
Find members of the ASTC doing work in areas that interest you, send your packet to them and solicit their feedback and advice.
|
|
|
Consider attending the ASTC annual conference to meet and talk with practicing trial consultants.
|
Be aware that your value will depend partly on your ability to bring in legal business. Your seniority in academia will not necessarily translate directly into a senior position in a consulting firm.
Back to top
Q: How can I find out about trial consultants in my area?
A:
There are various ways to get information about trial consulting. Some of them
are as follows:
|
|
Contact the American Society
of Trial Consultants. |
|
|
Look for ads by trial consultants in your local legal publications.
|
|
|
Search on the Web.
|
|
|
Contact university programs in law and psychology and ask if they have any graduates practicing in your area.
|
|
|
Go to your local state trial court and talk to trial attorneys.
|
Back to top
Q: What does it take to be a good consultant?
A: Good education and training alone do not ensure that someone will be a good consultant. You must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to exercise discretion. You need to think fast on your feet, work quickly and efficiently, and work well in teams. You also need to take pleasure in translating your abstract knowledge into concrete recommendations and practices that suit your client's specific needs and style. You will be happiest if you deal well with moral and ethical complexity and relish intense engagement.
As in law and other types of consulting, an important part of your job is to cultivate relationships with clients and develop business for your firm. Just as in academia, writing papers and giving presentations are an important part of establishing yourself as a credible expert and practitioner. If you are uncomfortable with putting yourself forward in this way, consulting is probably not a good career choice for you.
Back to top
Q: How can I apply to your company?
A: We are always interested in seeing resumes of qualified candidates. Either fax (415-362-8775) a copy of your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the field to David Graeven, President, in the San Francisco office or
click here to submit this information via email.
Back to top
|
