In this series, seasoned trial attorneys Alan Howard and Ed Baum explore how the courts and attorneys are adapting to the still-evolving “new normal” of jury trials conducted under pandemic-driven constraints, and the future for remotely conducted proceedings post-pandemic. Their guests will include Perkins Coie colleague and litigation consultant Karen Lisko, Ph.D., and the Honorable Pamela Gates, the chief civil judge in Arizona’s Maricopa County.

Judge Gates has been instrumental in the county’s jury trial innovation task force—a pioneering effort by a large court system to study how jury trials may be safely and effectively conducted under pandemic-related constraints. Karen has authored two books about jury trials and co-founded the Online Courtroom Project, a national group of social scientists, attorneys, and retired judges who are developing recommended best practices for virtual jury trials.

Ed and Alan talk with their guests about the special challenges and, yes, advantages of conducting jury trials wholly remotely or with partially remote “hybrid” procedures, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and likely beyond. They explore a range of topics, including how to modify procedures and use technology to facilitate effective remote jury trials; the challenges of remote or physically distanced juries; adapting counsel’s presentation techniques to take special advantage of these new formats; and preparing counsel, courts, and clients for the altered post-pandemic trial world. Below are short overviews of each podcast with links to the recordings.

06.01.2021

Co-hosts Alan Howard and Ed Baum are joined by litigation consultant Karen Lisko, Ph.D. to survey the range of ongoing adaptations to “normal” jury trial practice and discusses the practical implications and choices for clients engaged in ongoing litigation.

Listen to "A Sea Change in Trial Practice - Episode 1" on Spreaker.

06.04.2021

Co-hosts Ed Baum and Alan Howard speak with Maricopa County Chief Civil Judge Pamela Gates to discuss studies of and adaptations for remote jury trials.

Listen to "A Court’s Perspective - Episode 2" on Spreaker.

06.08.2021

Co-hosts Alan Howard and Ed Baum speak with Karen Lisko about how jurors’ remote or virtual trial settings may change how jurors receive and perceive evidence.

Listen to "A Juror’s Experience - Episode 3" on Spreaker.

06.09.2021

Co-hosts Ed Baum and Alan Howard are joined by Karen Lisko in a conversation about adaption and evolution in trial techniques for a virtual or hybrid trial.

Listen to "The Virtual Trial From the Advocates’ Perspective - Episode 4" on Spreaker.

06.10.2021

Co-hosts Alan Howard and Ed Baum speak with Karen Lisko regarding developments with remote and hybrid trial settings as court systems emerge from the pandemic.

Listen to "Where Are We Now and Where Are We Headed? - Episode 5" on Spreaker.