When Preparation Meets Opportunity

The practice of law has been forced to stretch, grow, and morph at light speed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology and computer applications that had never been utilized are now the mainstay for litigation. In-person hearings and depositions are a faint memory. This presents a major problem for the traditional jury trial, which relies so heavily on human interaction.

Jury selection is arguably the most important part of a trial. Trial lawyers have limited time during voir dire to identify panelists who must be challenged or removed.

Coaxing the jury panel to share their views is difficult enough without interference of strict COVID-19 protocols.

With masks and social distancing being mandated in courtrooms, trial lawyers must adapt to the new guidelines during jury selection and be cognizant of communication barriers while also making sure to include adjusters at trial.