The top mock trial research companies in 2026 help legal teams test case strategy, evaluate mock jury reactions, and refine arguments before entering the courtroom. As litigation becomes more complex and high-stakes, attorneys increasingly rely on structured mock jury research, mock jury focus groups, and online mock juries to understand how narratives, evidence, and expert testimony are interpreted. In 2026, methodological rigor, secure handling of sensitive case materials, and high-quality mock jury recruitment are central to effective mock trial research.
This article highlights the top 10 mock trial research companies in 2026 that provide structured mock jury recruitment, research design, facilitation, analytics, and secure content management. For this guide, mock trial research companies are defined as firms that design and execute simulated jury studies, including full mock trials, mock jury focus groups, online mock juries, shadow juries, and related pre-trial research. These companies may operate as full-service litigation research partners or as specialized providers supporting legal teams and trial consultants.
Why Mock Trial Research Matters in 2026
Litigation strategy increasingly depends on understanding how real jurors process complex evidence, technical testimony, and competing narratives. Mock jury research provides early visibility into juror biases, credibility assessments, damages perceptions, and verdict drivers.
In 2026, legal teams face additional pressures, including digital evidence, multimedia presentations, and evolving juror expectations shaped by media and technology. Structured mock trials, mock jury focus groups, and online mock juries allow attorneys to test themes, refine witness preparation, and reduce trial risk before appearing in court.
Key Trends Influencing Leading Mock Trial Research Companies
- Heightened Data Security Standards
Mock jury research increasingly requires secure handling of confidential exhibits, expert reports, and pre-trial strategy materials. - Growth of Online Mock Juries
Online mock juries and virtual mock jury focus groups expand geographic reach, reduce facility costs, and enable flexible scheduling for venue-specific recruitment. - Demographically Precise Mock Jury Recruitment
Advanced screening and quota balancing help ensure mock jury panels reflect the demographic and attitudinal profile of the trial venue. - Multi-Method Research Design
Firms increasingly combine mock jury focus groups, full mock trials, surveys, and shadow juries to capture both qualitative deliberation insight and quantitative verdict patterns. - Technology-Enabled Observation and Analysis
High-definition recording, live streaming, and structured juror response tools support detailed review and strategic interpretation.
1. Touchstone Research
Touchstone Research is a full-service market research firm providing structured mock trial research support for legal teams and trial consultants. With more than 30 years of fieldwork experience, the firm integrates recruitment rigor, secure content handling, and real-time feedback tools to support in-person, virtual, and online mock juries.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Jury Recruitment and Screening
In-house qualitative recruitment teams source jury-eligible participants using custom screeners, demographic balancing, and live verification. - Secure Content Testing
Confidential case materials are protected through dynamic watermarking and controlled access protocols. - Real-Time Juror Feedback
Proprietary Dial Tester technology captures moment-to-moment reactions to openings, testimony, and multimedia exhibits. - End-to-End Logistics Management
Scheduling, tech checks, consent tracking, and incentive management are handled by dedicated field teams for in-person and online mock juries.
2. First Court
First Court is a trial consulting and ADR firm specializing in mock trials, jury research, and venue-matched juror recruiting. The company conducts in-person and online mock trials and focus groups using panels that reflect the demographics of the trial venue.
Mock trial research capabilities
- In-Person and Online Mock Trials
Full mock trials with opening and closing arguments, witness presentations, and juror deliberations delivered in physical or virtual formats. - Venue-Matched Jury Recruiting
Recruitment of mock jurors whose demographics mirror the trial venue to provide realistic feedback on case themes and damages. - Jury Research Focus Groups
Adversarial mock jury focus groups used to test arguments, case themes, and juror characteristics associated with favorable or unfavorable reactions. - Comprehensive Reporting and Analysis
Structured reporting on juror decision-making, verdict preferences, and key message takeaways to guide trial strategy.
3. Focus Litigation Consulting
Focus Litigation Consulting is a trial consulting firm specializing in mock trials, mock jury focus groups, jury selection, statistical juror profiling, and witness preparation. The firm supports trial teams with empirical research tools at key stages of litigation.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Trials and Focus Groups
Structured mock jury research testing full cases or specific issues, themes, witnesses, demonstratives, and damages. - Online and Virtual Jury Research
Digital platforms for online mock juries, remote focus groups, and survey-based juror feedback. - Jury Selection and Profiling
Empirical juror profiling and voir dire strategy development based on attitudinal and demographic predictors. - Settlement and Negotiation Support
Research outputs used to inform settlement posture by clarifying risk exposure and damages perceptions.
4. DOAR
DOAR is a litigation consulting company that collaborates with trial teams on jury research, mock trials, mock jury focus groups, and courtroom strategy.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Trials and Shadow Juries
Research events including mock trials, focus groups, and shadow juries to evaluate case narratives and juror decision dynamics. - Venue-Specific Recruitment Partnerships
Collaboration with facilities and recruiters to assemble mock juror panels reflecting local jury pools and niche segments. - Multi-Method Jury Research
Integration of focus groups, full mock trials, and surveys to capture qualitative deliberation and quantitative response patterns. - Strategic Litigation Consulting
Guidance on case themes, demonstratives, and witness preparation grounded in mock jury feedback.
5. Jury Solutions
Jury Solutions provides jury research and litigation consulting services including mock trials, mock jury focus groups, jury selection, and witness preparation.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Trials and Focus Group Simulations
Streamlined mock trial exercises and adversarial mock jury focus groups with structured attorney presentations and deliberations. - Juror Questionnaires and Deliberation Capture
Pre- and post-presentation questionnaires and observed deliberations to understand verdict and damages decision drivers. - Jury Selection Support
Empirical databases and voir dire question design to identify high-risk juror profiles. - Witness Preparation Feedback
Juror response to testimony used to refine preparation and improve credibility and clarity.
6. Advanced Resolution Management (ARM)
Advanced Resolution Management (ARM) is a provider of ADR and mock jury services that recruits jury-eligible participants for focus groups and trial preparation exercises.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Juror Recruitment
Screening and recruitment of jury-eligible participants for mock trials and legal focus groups in key venues. - Venue-Relevant Panels
Emphasis on local juror demographics to simulate venue-specific reactions. - Pre-Trial Focus Group Support
Mock jury focus groups used to explore themes, damages exposure, and case perceptions. - Flexible Research Formats
Support for both condensed and extended mock jury exercises depending on case needs.
7. U.S. Legal Support (TrialQuest)
U.S. Legal Support offers mock jury and legal focus group services through its TrialQuest division, alongside court reporting and trial services.
Mock trial research capabilities
- In-Person and Remote Mock Trials
Comprehensive mock trial setups that simulate trial environments and capture juror feedback. - Legal Focus Groups
Interactive mock jury focus groups that explore themes, evidence, and messaging early in case development. - Real-Time Juror Response Technology
Technology-enabled feedback tools to measure juror reactions during presentations. - Risk Assessment and Theme Refinement
Research outputs used to assess litigation risk and refine storytelling.
8. Fieldwork
Fieldwork is a qualitative fieldwork and facility company with locations across the United States that supports mock jury and legal research projects in collaboration with trial consultants.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Facility-Based Mock Jury Support
Focus group and large-room facilities suitable for mock trials, mini-trials, and legal focus groups. - Local Juror Recruitment
In-house recruiting teams capable of sourcing jury-eligible participants aligned with venue demographics. - Technology-Enabled Observation
Audio and video capture, live streaming, and backroom viewing for legal research sessions. - Partnership with Trial Consultants
Infrastructure and recruitment support for firms conducting mock jury research studies.
9. Eastcoast Research
Eastcoast Research is a market research firm offering dedicated mock jury trial services, providing courtroom-style simulations, juror recruitment, and audiovisual capture.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Mock Jury Trial Simulations
Structured simulations mirroring courtroom conditions with presentations and deliberations. - Venue-Representative Juror Recruitment
Recruitment of participants representative of local jury pools. - Advanced Audiovisual Technology
High-definition recording, secure data storage, and live streaming for post-session review. - Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Combined deliberation insights and survey-based analysis to provide a comprehensive view of juror perceptions.
10. Limelight Insights by Shugoll
Limelight Insights by Shugoll is a qualitative research provider offering recruiting, platforms, and facility support suitable for online focus groups and mock jury-style legal research sessions.
Mock trial research capabilities
- Online Focus Group Platform
Proprietary online qualitative platform for moderated mock jury focus groups. - Recruiting and Technical Support
Integrated recruitment and platform setup for complex qualitative legal research. - Facility-Based Focus Group Support
Physical facilities suitable for in-person legal research and mock jury sessions. - Recorded Sessions for Analysis
Audio and video recording for transcription, review, and synthesis by trial teams.
At-a-Glance: Top 10 Mock Trial Research Companies in 2026
| Company | Core Mock Trial Research Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Touchstone Research | Mock jury recruitment, secure content testing, real-time juror feedback, and end-to-end logistics for in-person and online mock juries. |
| First Court | In-person and online mock trials, venue-matched juror recruiting, mock jury focus groups, and structured reporting. |
| Focus Litigation Consulting | Mock trials, online mock juries, juror profiling, and settlement-focused litigation research. |
| DOAR | Multi-method jury research combining mock trials, focus groups, and shadow juries. |
| Jury Solutions | Mock trials, adversarial mock jury focus groups, juror questionnaires, and jury selection support. |
| Advanced Resolution Management (ARM) | Mock juror recruitment, venue-relevant panels, and flexible mock jury focus groups. |
| U.S. Legal Support (TrialQuest) | In-person and remote mock trials, legal focus groups, and real-time juror response technology. |
| Fieldwork | Facility-based mock jury support, local recruitment, and technology-enabled observation. |
| Eastcoast Research | Mock jury simulations, venue-representative panels, and integrated qualitative and quantitative analysis. |
| Limelight Insights by Shugoll | Online qualitative platform, recruiting, and facility support suitable for mock jury-style focus groups. |