Notable Cases
Diverse Experience. Solid Performance.
- Patent Infringement
- A global leader in the petroleum industry was a defendant in a patent dispute in the Eastern District of Texas. CourtroomLogic was retained to help develop a trial story that would ultimately resonate with the jury panel. Using feedback from FirstInsight™ and Focus Group jury research, CourtroomLogic identified strengths, weaknesses, and universal themes that were further developed to punctuate not only the defendant’s evidence, but also strategically placed the plaintiffs on trial for wrongdoing. In an effort to simplify the complex nature of the patent claims and related technology, CourtroomLogic worked with graphic and animation artists to develop dynamic 3D animations, 2D illustrations, and interactive models. After receiving encouraging feedback from two distinctly separate jury research studies, our client was able to position itself for a very favorable settlement.
- Partnership Dispute
- A seven-figure jury verdict was obtained for our client after a two-week jury trial in Texas State District Court in Dallas. The complex partnership dispute involved real estate developments in Hawaii, California and Texas. CourtroomLogic assisted the trial team with development of trial themes, demonstratives, voir dire strategy, jury selection, and preparation of the Opening Statement. In addition to receiving all requested attorneys' fees, the jury panel rejected opposing parties' counterclaims (which were valued before trial at more than $7,000,000).
- Wrongful Death
- In the state of California, a two-day focus group was facilitated on behalf of a police department and local municipality from one of the most dangerous areas of Los Angeles. Plaintiffs were seeking more than $20 million in damages for a death resulting from a drug-related SWAT raid. Juror bias and personal experience were critical factors involved in mock jurors' decision-making, and research results indicated a willingness to award a significant damage award in addition to punitive damages. After carefully evaluating mock jury feedback, quantitative data and potential risks, the client was able to reach an amicable settlement within days of the focus group research.
- Trademark Infringement
- CourtroomLogic Consulting was retained by a Florida-based insurance carrier who was facing allegations of trademark infringement and a demand for damages in excess of $52 million. CourtroomLogic conducted pre-trial research and worked extensively with counsel on developing a trial story, themes, and graphic demonstratives aimed to minimize potential damages. We also provided trial technology support and daily trial monitoring, in addition to working with counsel each night during trial. After three weeks, jurors returned a finding that our client did not infringe the logo mark, but did infringe the word mark (which was also granted in a prior MSJ ruling, unbeknownst to the jury). Although jurors did award a monetary award to Plaintiff, they reduced damages by 90%... certainly a huge victory for our client.
- Oil and Gas Arbitration
- A Houston-based subsidiary of an international oil and gas exploration company was a defendant in a breach of contract dispute involving five oil and gas leases in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. The dispute revolved around an executed form of assignment and whether a breach occurred when defendants failed to offer the leases back to plaintiff prior to formal relinquishment. CourtroomLogic provided a full range of services, including FirstInsight jury research, thematic and story development, witness preparation, creation of graphic demonstratives, multimedia technology support, and ongoing strategy consultation and monitoring during the arbitration proceeding. Despite plaintiff’s request for more than $28 million in damages, the arbitration panel rendered a 2-1 ruling in favor of our client.
- Personal Injury
- CourtroomLogic Consulting was retained by a national company facing a potential personal injury lawsuit related to a large chemical explosion. The lawsuit had yet to be filed, and all parties were hoping to reach an amicable settlement to avoid a public trial. CourtroomLogic conducted a half-day focus group with live presentations by both parties. Surrogate jurors deliberated over a modified charge, and were debriefed regarding their impressions and perceptions. The parties relied upon the information gleaned from pre-trial research to guide their settlement discussions and assessment of value, and an agreement was reached within a few weeks. The lawsuit was never formally filed and the matter has been resolved.
- Whistleblower
- CourtroomLogic Consulting was retained to assist an international entity within the transportation industry with the defense of a complicated qui tam case involving allegations of environmental contamination. Because whistleblower allegations implied that our client withheld information from the federal government, our case focused on our client’s communications with the government and emphasized the information the government had. CourtroomLogic worked side-by-side with lead counsel for months leading up to trial and assisted with theme development, witness preparation, story presentation and the development of graphics and 3D animations. Our consultant also assisted with jury selection, monitored the actual trial proceedings each day, and consulted each night with the trial team on best strategies for the following day. Facing a potential verdict of more than $400 million, the client and entire defense team celebrated when the federal court jury rendered a complete defense verdict in less than two hours.
- Trade Secret Misappropriation and Unfair Competition
- CourtroomLogic Consulting joined a multi-party intellectual property defense team shortly before trial began. We consulted with counsel on storytelling, themes and “simplifying the complex.” Our main goal was to educate the jury that labeling something “confidential” does not make it so. Our consultants helped prepare key witnesses and craft voir dire that punctuated the theme that the alleged trade secrets were publicly available. Our consultant observed trial each day, debriefed counsel and formulated strategy as to how best prepare for the following day. After a two-week trial and a jury charge containing more than 25 questions, the federal court jury rendered a complete defense verdict in less than two hours. Plaintiff was seeking more than $40 million in actual and exemplary damages.
- Construction Design and Breach of Contract
- CourtroomLogic was retained by two defendants in a lawsuit alleging faulty workmanship in a public development, and allegations that the owner’s performance bond should pay for all remediation. Our consultant worked with trial counsel on formulating voir dire queries that identifying dangerous jurors and helped punctuate our focus on the roles of the parties and inadequate design plans. In addition, we helped develop dynamic trial demonstratives and illustrations to educate jurors that the project was built as designed, but that Plaintiffs were seeking money for a new and improved design. Our courtroom operator attended trial each day and presented exhibits, video and graphics in a multimedia format. After more than a month of trial testimony, the jury rendered a favorable verdict for our client.
- Breach of Contract and Tortious Interference
- An international technology giant embroiled in highly contentious litigation in a small Midwestern city was facing claims by a small business partner claiming breach of contract and tortious interference. Of great concern to the client was the David v. Goliath effect and jurors’ tendencies to award large numbers because of deep pockets. CourtroomLogic was retained to conduct jury research in the actual trial venue with the goal of assisting the client with settlement negotiations. While counsel prepared for mediation, CourtroomLogic conducted jury research, analyzed results, prepared a formal written report addressing key strengths and weaknesses, and consulted with counsel. Days before trial was to begin in federal court, the client presented excerpts from the jury research to opposing counsel during mediation and was able to negotiate a resolution for a fraction of Plaintiff’s demand.
- Products Liability
- Three internationally known corporate defendants were involved in a dispute alleging medical products liability and failure to warn. After two mistrials and voir dire with more than 300 jurors, a panel of jurors was ultimately seated. Although Plaintiff was seeking a multi-million dollar damage award, the jurors rendered a complete defense verdict in favor of the client after six weeks of testimony. Because similar claims were pending in other matters, in-depth post-trial interviews were conducted with the panel, subsequently resulting in numerous settlements.
- Eminent Domain
- The State of Texas sued the owners of a ranch in Travis County to acquire property for a state highway. The dispute over the value assigned to property taken proceeded to a jury trial. The ranch had unique qualities in that Wagyu cattle (Kobe beef) were raised on certified organic land. Juror Information Cards were received before the start of trial, and CourtroomLogic reviewed the cards, ranked each juror according to degrees of desirability, and provided suggested voir dire queries. After four days of evidence, jurors deliberated for eight hours and rendered a verdict of $7,000,000 in favor of our client.
- Wrongful Termination
- A half-day day focus group was conducted on behalf of a national technology firm sued for allegedly monitoring employee communications. The trial team obtained significant data from the pre-trial research which indicated that facts emphasized by the trial team were not as influential as less-emphasized facts. Using feedback from the mock jurors, the trial modified case themes and strategies and ultimately obtained a favorable trial verdict.
- CourtroomLogic has worked with a number clients with cases brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title VII claims.
- Medical Malpractice
- CourtroomLogic Consulting has consulted on a number of medical malpractice claims. Specific areas include obstetrics and delivery, anesthesiology, spinal injuries and nursing home care. Pre-trial research, witness preparation, graphic development and creation of mediation presentations are frequently utilized services. A significant number of cases have resulted in favorable settlement outcomes.
- Environmental Contamination
- In a lawsuit claiming that underground storage tanks caused massive ground and water contamination, CourtroomLogic was retained to help the trial team teach the jury about hydrogeology, hydrocarbons and the science supporting the client’s contamination defense. We collaborated with expert witnesses and a computer artist to develop a series of 3D animations to punctuate the art of water well drilling, the characteristics of natural aquifers and the science of groundwater flow. The parties reached an amicable settlement before trial.
- Breach of Contract and Lost Profits
- A one-day focus group was conducted on behalf of a small, non-alcoholic beer distribution company suing two internationally recognized breweries for breach of contract. Mock jury feedback resulted in modified trial strategies as well as simplified trial themes. Graphic demonstratives were developed and court proceedings were monitored on a daily basis, thus providing consultation to the trial team as to how best navigate difficult issues. A panel of twelve jurors ultimately rendered a $2,300,000 verdict in favor of our client.
- Sexual Assault
- The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted a new trial to a criminal defendant who was currently serving 40 years in the state prison system for sexual assault of a minor. The new trial, however, addressed only the sentencing phase. CourtroomLogic was retained by counsel to help develop defense-oriented themes and to identify potential jurors who might struggle with the notion of assigning punishment without personally determining guilt or innocence. Although the jury rejected a sentence of probation, the panel greatly reduced the original 40-year sentence to 15 years with credit for time served.
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