As a junior litigator, one of the most exciting steps to verdict is jury selection. For better or for worse, the jurors help decide the fate of your case, and thus, the importance of jury selection cannot be overstated. Fewer than 2 percent of civil cases start trial, and a smaller percentage continue to verdict. If you get the opportunity to assist with jury selection, take it and take it fast. Preparation and organization are the keys to a smooth selection process. That’s where you come in.
Preparation
Jury selection is often called "voir dire," which means "to speak the truth." The phrase can be pronounced three different ways: vwhar deer (most common in California), vor deer, or vor dIr, and it is mispronounced a host of other ways. Just pick one and be consistent. Preparation for voir dire may start weeks before any interaction with the jury occurs.
