About

Johanna Hillard, President of JuryScope, has over twenty years trial consulting experience researching juror behavior, with an expertise in complex litigation. Her experience covers both state and federal courts for both plaintiffs and defendants in venues across the country.  Having been retained on hundreds of cases, her consulting experience includes developing research protocols for both juror and judge mock trials and focus groups to delve into the key issues in a case. Ms. Hillard’s work in opening statement analysis, theme development, cutting-edge data gathering, statistical analysis, venue analysis, jury selection assistance, and research design has proven invaluable for our clients in preparation for jury trials and bench trials alike.

Ms. Hillard has prepared hundreds of witnesses, foreign and domestic, lay and expert, from all backgrounds and levels of expertise. Her assistance with witnesses allows the trial team to focus on the content of the examination while preparing the best face of that witness and ensuring their testimony supports the message to the jury. This work with witnesses provides the witness with a sounding board when struggling with difficult documents or a tough cross. Complex civil litigation also often calls for these witnesses to translate their years of expertise into very simple explanations for a jury, and Ms. Hillard’s extensive expertise in complex technical cases allows her to assist in the development of these effective communication strategies.

Ms. Hillard has also assisted in developing juror questionnaires, preparing judge and attorney jury voir dire questions and, of course, providing in-court assistance in jury selection. She also has extensive experience developing the protocol for and conducting post-trial juror interviews where permitted.

Ms. Hillard prides herself and the JuryScope consultants on becoming part of the trial team. Whether this means talking through the issues in a case to help develop case themes, working to develop persuasive and compelling presentations for all stages of litigation, walking through an opening slide deck to ensure juror clarity and favorable impressions, advising on the creation of technical tutorials for IP litigation, or walking through the procedural details of a judge’s jury selection process based on her extensive experience. Her years of experience also translates into a keen understanding of the importance of timely responses and flexibility in assistance in preparation for trial.

Outside of litigation, Ms. Hillard has lectured and served as a panel member on a wealth of topics related to trial consulting for state bar and other attorney support organizations, CLE providers, and for many clients and law firms throughout the country.  

Ms. Hillard earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated magna cum laude from Washington University. She is a non-practicing member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Minnesota. Ms. Hillard is based in Minnesota.