How to Start a Mock Jury Business

The term “mock jury” refers to a group exercise that offers trial attorneys insight into how jurors will react to the arguments and evidence presented to them. Mock jurors typically represent the same demographic that would be expected in a real trial. Attorneys gauge each juror’s reaction and utilize collected data to refine their arguments, ensuring they are better prepared for the actual trial. A mock jury business employs a large pool of mock jurors. Attorneys hire them to gather a group of jurors that best fits their needs.

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Start a mock jury business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Mock Jury Business
  2. Form your Mock Jury Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Mock Jury Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Mock Jury Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Mock Jury Business
  7. Get Mock Jury Business Insurance
  8. Define your Mock Jury Business Brand
  9. Create your Mock Jury Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your mock jury business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening a mock jury business?

As previously mentioned, many trial attorneys have shifted to online mock juries, enabling entrepreneurs to shift their business model. A dedicated office building is no longer necessary, which significantly reduces startup costs. To start your business, you will need a computer, high-speed internet, and a telephone. While these costs are minimal, you will need to invest in a robust website and software that collects potential mock juror information. Your software should assist you in identifying potential jurors that match your client’s needs and have the ability to process payments once a juror’s job is complete. This targeted software could set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the specifics you choose.

What are the ongoing expenses for a mock jury business?

Whether you decide to conduct all your business in person, online, or a combination of both, ongoing expenses for this type of business are fairly low. Website maintenance, software fees, and insurance should be budgeted for each month. Payment to mock jurors will represent the largest part of your ongoing expense budget. Fortunately, jurors are paid as freelancers, eliminating payroll costs that many businesses incur.

Who is the target market?

In the broad sense, your target market includes all law firms that do not have their own in-house jury consultant on payroll. However, many mock jury business owners have found success narrowing their targets to niche markets, allowing them to become a leader in their specialty.

How does a mock jury business make money?

Mock jury businesses act as a middleman, furnishing their clients with anywhere from twelve to seventy-two jurors. The business collects payment for their services and passes a portion of that payment on to each individual juror.

How much can you charge customers?

The price for a professional, in-person mock jury ranges anywhere from $3,500 to $50,000. Fees for online mock juries are significantly lower and vary in cost depending on how many jurors are required and the details of each case.

How much profit can a mock jury business make?

While collected fees are lower for online mock juries, your pool of potential customers and jurors expands exponentially. If you set up eight mock juries a week and gross $200/event, you stand to generate a profit of over $83,000 a year without ever leaving the comfort of your home office.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Business owners striving to increase profits should consider expanding their services to include jury consulting, telephone and online surveys, and focus groups. Additionally, while the overhead costs are higher and they require more work, organizations that offer in-person mock juries collect a much steeper payment.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your mock jury business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your mock jury business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a mock jury business

Your marketing strategy should clearly identify and target industry pain points. Once this has been defined, you can market on both a local and national level. Advertising on legal sites, online blogs, law associations, and legal publications are all effective places to focus your paid advertisements. Since you cannot manage a successful mock jury business without mock jurors to fill each “chair,” you will also need to find creative, cost-effective ways to reach individuals spanning every age, race, gender, and profession.

How to keep customers coming back

Delivering prompt and quality service will help your business build a sound reputation. Your clients’ successes drive your success and help build your business through word of mouth.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Do you have a background as a trial attorney or social psychologist? Have you noticed an area where the industry is lacking? Do you have fresh ideas/insight into how the process could be improved for its customers? The mock jury business is profitable and fast-paced, offering business owners the opportunity to travel and utilize their knowledge and experience in a new and fresh way.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What happens during a typical day at a mock jury business?

As the mock jury business owner, you will be responsible for ensuring each mock trial achieves its intended outcome. You will meet with each client to review the details of the case and their mock jury needs. This information is then used to select and hire individual jurors that most closely meet those needs. 

It is also your responsibility to ensure all jurors arrive on time, whether in-person or online. Depending upon your client’s needs, you may be required to select a venue and oversee the mock jury proceedings. Once proceedings are complete, the client may need you to collect feedback, prepare a report on your findings, and deliver it to the hiring trial attorney. Reports typically include relevant information regarding each mock juror, including gender, race, age, and employment history.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful mock jury business?

While there are no legal requirements regarding education and background, most business owners in this industry have achieved a degree in a related field. A background in trial law proves beneficial in identifying client needs and mock jury selection. While not necessary, behavioral insight will also set you apart from the competition.

Individuals hoping to build a successful mock jury business would also benefit from excellent communication and interpersonal skills, business development, marketing techniques, and writing skills.

What is the growth potential for a mock jury business?

This industry first gained traction in the late 70s and early 80s. At that time, law firms employed a trial consultant who was responsible for setting up their agency’s mock trials. The emergence of new technology, however, has caused a shift in procedure. Law firms are now able to hire mock jurors on an as-needed basis. Successful entrepreneurs are now able to expand their services, reaching both clients and potential mock jurors on a national level.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a mock jury business?

Startup business owners are encouraged to utilize their legal background and contacts to identify areas in which this industry is lacking. This research should be completed during the business plan development stage to ensure your goals and business model align with industry needs.

How and when to build a team

Unlike many startups, you must build a large and diverse team. A great number of jurors ensures your ability to consistently deliver quality service. With the right business management and accounting software, many of your administrative duties can be automated, reducing the need for an administrative assistant.