In light of recent trends showing an increase in substantial damages awards in plaintiff verdicts, leaders at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe have undertaken a research project to investigate juror attitudes across the country. Driven by a quest for understanding the dynamics of courtrooms in these polarizing times, Meghan Kelly and Bill Oxley, co-leaders of Orrick’s complex litigation practice, recently divulged some intriguing insights from their national jury research during a discussion with AmLaw Litigation Daily editor Ross Todd.
Their findings, collected from various venues, offer a fascinating glimpse into the shifting undercurrents of juror attitudes and provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by defense attorneys. With some surprising results coming to the fore, this research project does more than just paint a picture of courtroom realities; it underscores the reasons why being a defense attorney in today’s polarizing climate can be an exciting proposition.
To delve into the details of their findings, examine the discussion between Kelly, Oxley, and Todd here. The rich insights shared in this conversation underscore the importance and euphoria of the unique role defense attorneys play in shaping the course of litigation in these rapidly evolving times.