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The nature and scope of trial consultant training reflect the array of services that are offered to clients, such as jury research, presentation strategies, and assistance with exhibits. There are no standard academic or professional requirements for trial consultants. Their training varies considerably across the profession, but it tends to involve a relevant academic background, some on-the-job training, and continuing education. Graduate training in the social sciences tends to be quite valuable, typically more than a background in law. However, on-the-job training helps provide competencies and strengthen skills that are difficult to obtain in any other way. Continuing education helps trial consultants remain up-to-date on valuable developments in the industry and advances in methodological, technological, and statistical areas.

Trial consultants provide either a narrow or a wide range of services to their clients, who are usually attorneys but can also include insurers, corporations, or individuals. These services generally include case consultation and trial strategy, witness preparation, jury-related services, or presentation and technologyrelated services. Trial consultants who specialize in trial strategy often have a foundation in social psychology and communication and a solid understanding of law and legal procedure. Those who specialize in witness preparation may have a background in theater, communication, or counseling. Consultants who specialize in jury-related services such as jury selection or community attitude surveys typically have experience with social science research methodology and statistics as well as a foundation in social psychology. Finally, trial consultants who specialize in presentation and technology-related services tend to have a foundation in graphic art and communication. Of course, there are trial consultants who offer the full gamut of services. Thus, trial consultant training is quite diverse, reflecting the umbrella of services that consultants may provide and tapping into a range of disciplines.

Academic Preparation

Most successful trial consultants have graduate degrees in the social sciences, with a doctoral degree in psychology (particularly clinical psychology or psychology and law) being quite prevalent. In these types of academic programs, students acquire valuable skills in research design and methodology as well as in qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Graduate programs in the social sciences, particularly psychology, typically provide students with a solid theoretical background as well as research experience. These are particularly important for consultants who provide jury-related services such as mock trials and community attitude surveys. Analytical and communication skills are also valuable skills that can be honed in graduate programs in the social sciences, although other types of training, such as law school, can provide these as well. Some trial consultants assist their clients with mediations and arbitrations, so an understanding of the theories and applications relating to negotiations and conflict management is often helpful.

There is no clear academic path for individuals interested in trial consulting. Currently, there are no known academic programs that are dedicated to training future trial consultants. Appropriate academic preparation depends on the types of services that the individual plans to offer. For example, a person interested in focusing on graphics or demonstratives (e.g., developing day-in-the life videos of someone with a serious disability, designing illustrations to be used at trial) would need different training from someone who is more interested in conducting jury research in the form of posttrial interviews. In 2007, several universities offered masters and doctoral programs in psychology and law, forensic psychology, or related disciplines (e.g., Florida International University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and some other institutions offer relevant courses). A few of these programs offer a combined J.D./Ph.D. degree (e.g., University of Nebraska at Lincoln), although it is not clear whether the dual degree constitutes a superior academic path for those interested in trial consulting.

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