Theresa Zagnoli has more than 40 years of experience in legal communications consulting, providing practical solutions to attorneys and business leaders to help improve trial results. Currently, Theresa supports plaintiffs as a Litigation Specialist with Motley Rice, one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms—leading Motley Rice’s trial consulting efforts. Her knowledge of the American juror has made her one of the most sought-after trial consultants in the nation.
Theresa is especially skilled at preparing expert witnesses to testify, relying on her background in communications training and her ability to understand the issues at the heart of a case, both at trial and during depositions. With her support, attorneys are better able to formulate effective questions and offer witnesses precise guidance on how to convey what jurors, judges and arbitrators need to know to make informed decisions. Theresa’s clients commend her ability to lead trial teams in the areas of concept development, themes, strategy and implementation.
Examples of Notable Case Work:
- Mass Tort: Asbestos, Tobacco, Opioid MDL and State specific cases
- Technology: Kimberly Clark, Microsoft, Yahoo, Red Hat, Xilinx, Intel, Blackboard, McAfee
- Pharmaceutical: Baxter, Novartis, Abbot, Walgreens, Stryker,
- Contract: Simon Properties, Waste Management, Chevron
- Countless individuals re: Personal Injury
- Misc: Exxon, BP America Production Company, Bridgestone
Examples of Services Offered:
Mock Trial/Focus Group(s)
A mini-dry run of your trial strategies. We test themes, opening statements, order of proof, witness testimony, expert witness theory, damage models and more. We are well equipped to successfully prepare you for jury trial, bench trial, and ADR. Involve us early enough and you will be informed as to discovery and expert witness retention. All data is collected electronically: each participant responding via his or her own iPad. You can monitor the results at the exercise or from anywhere, via the Internet. Results are available in real-time, eliminating the wait for the full report.
Online Focus Group
Online focus groups have become common in recent years. Platforms have advanced providing similar interaction experienced in a facility situation. In some cases, conducting research online reduces costs and eliminates scheduling complications.
Venue Attitude Survey
Online Community Surveys allow for quick information solicitation from a statistically significant sample size of trial venue jury-eligible residents. The survey technology supports audio, video and document review, statements and questions. Has been utilized to support or defend Change of Venue Motions.
Issues Focus Group
Facilitators read aloud a script detailing each case issue to be tested to jurors, who then fill exchange thoughts about what they heard. Also, questionnaires can be used to provide individual perspectives. The resulting work product is similar to other jury research exercises. This format provides a wealth of information including being able to see how jurors might process certain facts and arguments as they are proffered.