Southeast Research Litigation Research

With over 25 years of experience in attitude and opinion research, we have served the information needs of attorneys in a variety of cases. Our strength is in the knowledge we posses in collecting, analyzing and interpreting information pertaining to the attitudes and opinions of both individuals and groups (e.g. mock jurors).

Focus Groups Tailored to Litigation
Focus groups are qualitative research tools designed to assist attorneys in testing legal strategies prior to actual trial. While the design of focus groups may vary depending on specific information needs, they generally include the following sequence:
  • Southeast Research recruits a representative group of jurors.
  • Attorneys present both sides of the case to the mock jurors.
  • The mock jurors are given an opportunity to question the legal team on issues of fact and law.
  • Jurors are instructed in the law and begin their deliberations.
  • Attorneys view the deliberations on closed circuit television in an adjoining room.
  • Following the verdict, attorneys meet again with the jury to discuss reasons for their verdict and to identify strengths and weaknesses of trial strategy.

Public Opinion Research for Attorneys
Some cases can benefit from information collected in a public opinion survey. In situations where a community is emotionally charged over the issues in a case, attorneys often need public opinion research to assist them with legal strategies. Public opinion research may also be used to survey members of a class action.

Changes of Venue
We have assisted attorneys with high profile cases where the level of media exposure has impacted the ability to obtain a fair trial. Having worked for both prosecutors and the defense we understand both sides in change of venue motions.

Class Action Lawsuits
 Southeast Research has assisted attorneys with class action cases where it was necessary to disseminate or receive information from a large number of class members in a short period of time. Our technologically advanced survey research center enables us to handle a large volume of out-bound calls as well as in-bound 1-800 calls. We work with attorneys in designing scripts and supply activity reports on a periodic basis.

Expert Witness
The senior principal at Southeast Research, Dr. Jerry Ingram, has served as an expert witness for attorneys in cases involving change of venue and economic damage cases. Dr. Ingram has conducted economic damage assessment in cases involving the retailing industry and the automobile after-market parts business.

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