Focus groups shine light on case theories and themes.

If you have never used a focus group, ATLA Education programs offer opportunities to see a focus group in action.

Focus groups let you conduct a "dry run" of your theories and arguments before trial. They provide invaluable insight into how members of the community perceive your client, you as the attorney, and the merits of the case.

This feedback can help you develop themes for trial, counter defenses, and present evidence. You can use the information to streamline or reshape arguments and address concerns raised by the group that are likely to be echoed by the actual jury.

In ATLA's Case Workshop programs, trial consultants present focus groups with facts or concepts from an actual case before it goes to trial--then the consultants and some of the country's leading lawyers analyze the results for program participants. ATLA's Overcoming Juror Bias programs use focus groups to demonstrate key principles derived from the Juror Bias Model, which teaches 10 principles for overcoming bias. The program shows participants the effects language and theming have on the group.

The next Overcoming Juror Bias Seminar will be held January 14-15, 2005, in Miami Beach, Florida. The next Case Workshop will be held in Atlanta, March 10-13, 2005.

For more information, visit www.atla.org and click on "Education," then "Upcoming Trial Skills Colleges & Seminars."