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Our History

On October 8, 1982, twenty-four practicing trial consultants met in Phoenix, Arizona to create what has now become the American Society of Trial Consultants. That meeting included many familiar names: Vivian Dicks, Dennis Gouran, Keith Griffin, Robert Hirsh, Bill Johnson, Stuart Kenter, Ron Kurtz, Lin Lilley, Elizabeth Loftus, Loretta Malandro, Ronald Matlon, Melissa McMath, W. Scott Nobles, Jack Parker, Diana Prentice, Richard Rieke, Morleen Getz Rouse, William Strickland, J. Kevin Toomb, Joyce Tsongas, James F. Weaver, and Gordon Zimmerman.

In the spirit of collegiality, they wanted to share their growing wisdom on a number of topics: practical small group research, effective witness preparation, informed jury selection, as well as successful business skills and marketing.

ASTC Objectives

In 1985, the primary objectives of the ASTC were established, which continue to this day:

  • Provide an opportunity for networking and dialogue among individuals who share professional interests in trial consulting, trial-related research, and teaching

  • Encourage and assist in the professional growth and training of Society members

  • Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, opinions, techniques, experiences and research results in the area of trial consulting

  • Encourage the development and refinement of appropriate methods for the application of research techniques to trial practice

  • Promote the effective and ethical use of trial consulting techniques by attorneys

  • Encourage awareness of and provide accurate information about trial consulting

Developing a Profession, as Well as an Organization 

As the ASTC grew over the years, it addressed a number of issues crucial to all in the legal profession, while continually improving the skills, visibility, and standing of the profession of litigation consulting. The ASTC has:

  • Developed a professional code that all members agree to abide by

  • Crafted professional standards and practice guidelines for venue surveys, witness preparation, jury selection, small group research, online research, visual communication/trial technology and post-trial juror interviews

  • Accumulated an extensive depository of reference materials for members.

  • Created a grievance procedure

  • Held over forty national conferences providing training, continuing education, business development, and networking opportunities for ASTC members and attorneys. Programs at the annual conference have been granted CLE status for attending lawyers

  • Published Court Call, a publication for members only that provided up-to-date information on the organization, members, developments in the field and researcher train consultants

  • Published The Jury Expert, a widely-read journal that covers topics of interest to our members, lawyers, judges and the general public on various aspects of litigation advocacy

  • Created a Members Only section of the ASTC website, which allows access to up-to-date information on membership and events. In addition, you can post job announcements and internships, access the online library, get information from our blogs, and register for annual conferences. A feature of this site is the periodically updated "Member News" 

  • Created a Members Forum to encourage an exchange of ideas and resources among ASTC members

  • Filed several amicus briefs to inform the courts about issues pertaining to the profession of trial consulting

  • Adopted an Antitrust Policy to assist its members in complying with federal and state antitrust laws in connection with ASTC activities

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