Intellectually curious, self-reflective, methodologically rigorous, innovative and team-oriented. Our culture is externalized in how we relate to our clients and help them win.

Trusted by the nation's top firms

What We Do

Empirical Creative LLC is a boutique trial consulting firm. Our specialty is providing jury research and graphics consulting on complex, high-stakes civil and white-collar criminal litigation with an eye towards understanding and reducing risk and uncertainty for our clients.

At Empirical Creative, one size does not fit all. Just as every case comes with its unique set of facts and circumstances, we are sensitive to ensuring that any research event and/or graphics project we design and conduct is customized to meet your unique objectives for retaining us in the first place. The general types of jury research services listed on this site are only models, and, in reality, there are many permutations both within and among these services that we would recommend utilizing depending on your unique needs.

“The world of contemporary trial consulting might be divided between those who work from a model of almost mystical intuition into the mainsprings of human behavior and those who are data-driven. Based on our experience with them over several engagements, the folks at Empirical Creative are unapologetically committed to a rigorous research paradigm that puts advocates in a position to make strategic decisions informed by the best information available. I have no-doubt that as the field of jury and trial consulting matures, it will be in the direction of the latter model and two of its best current practitioners are Jim Dobson and David Klein. They are the first ones I turn to when I want to get an honest read on our chances before fact-finders, be they a jury, a panel or a judge. Their in-house graphics capabilities are top-notch and make transition from the pre-trial research to trial presentation logical and efficient.”

Steven Lybrand, PH.D

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Jury Research

Mock Trials

Single or multi-day trial simulations.

Focus Groups

A thorough examination of how a jury will perceive the case issues.

Witness Prep

Jurors’ evaluation of witness testimony is one of the single biggest factors affecting their decision-making.

Jury Selection

Uncover the major background jury profiles that predispose jurors to view your case favorably or unfavorably.

Judge & Arbitration Research

Examine how judges and arbitrators will view the merits of your case.

“Among the keys to success in high stakes complex business litigation, is the ability to tell a story to the jury, rigorously consistent with the facts, that places the client in the most favorable light. Over the past 40 years I have worked with a number of jury consultants but none more talented or creative as Jim Dobson and Dave Klein. They work tirelessly and effectively with the trial team and the client to create both the most effective oral presentation and compelling demonstrative graphics to assist the jury’s understanding of complex facts.

Assessing risk and advising senior management and the Board of Directors is a critical function for a General Counsel. The difference between guessing and knowing is research. Instead of relying on guesswork, speculation or groupthink, Empirical Creative puts you in the position, with your trial team, to make informed decisions based upon an analysis of the trier of fact.

It’s a mistake to go to trial without Jim and David as part of the team.”

JAMES MERCER

EVP and General Counseling

Trial Graphics

Powerpoint Presentations

Interactive Multimedia Presentations

Trial Boards

Exhibit Production

3D Animations

“I was first introduced to Jim Dobson about 10 years ago when we needed some help understanding how to address some potential problem areas in a tough case pending in our home state of New Hampshire. Not only did we win the case, but the jury verdict was the highest damages verdict of its kind in the State’s history. Our firm now turns to Jim and his colleagues at Empirical Creative for our firm’s most important cases. Our confidence in EC stems from their unique ability to grasp the intricacies of complex litigation and isolate the issues that, for jurors, require careful explanation, emotional argumentation or a delicate soft-touch. Unlike other consulting groups whose expertise is either jury consulting or trial graphics, Empirical Creative truly integrates the two. Each and every critical issue they identify as important from a jury consulting perspective is translated into graphics to ensure that jurors ‘get it.’ That they are personally a pleasure to work with is just bonus.”

Mark Abramson

Abramson, Brown & Dugan