Melissa M Gomez

April 02, 2021 | The Legal Intelligencer

In our travels, we collected data that provides a glimpse into mindsets we may face on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Melissa M. Gomez

9 minute read

June 11, 2020 | The Legal Intelligencer

In the past several months, COVID-19 has moved our cheese. What will our response be?

By Melissa M. Gomez

11 minute read

August 30, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

"Why can't they be like we were, perfect in every way? What's the matter with kids today?" —Lyrics from "Kids," Bye Bye Birdie soundtrack

By Melissa M. Gomez

21 minute read

November 21, 2013 | The Legal Intelligencer

I have heard it said that there are only four good answers a witness can give in a deposition: "Yes," "No," "I don't know," and "I don't remember." I wholeheartedly disagree with this strategy.

By Melissa M. Gomez

5 minute read

November 14, 2012 | The Legal Intelligencer

In jury trials, semantics can be critical, especially on the verdict form. A question that can be interpreted in multiple ways, as many can, can very easily be misinterpreted to the detriment of your case.

By Melissa M. Gomez

1 minute read

October 27, 2011 | The Legal Intelligencer

Unfortunately, the answer to this broad-based question requires the answer that is most unpopular when given by jury consultant.

By Melissa M. Gomez

1 minute read

October 29, 2009 | The Legal Intelligencer

Don't get me wrong, it definitely helps, but is it possible that we have overstated the importance of witnesses being likable?

By Melissa M. Gomez, Ph.D.

1 minute read

July 27, 2010 | The Legal Intelligencer

I was working with the plaintiff on a motorcycle accident death case. While the defendant's liability was pretty clear, we had a problem. The decedent's blood alcohol level was beyond the legal limit. My client, needless to say, was concerned. How could he get jurors to disregard or not focus on the blood alcohol level when telling the story of what happened? My answer: "You can't."

By By Melissa M. Gomez

1 minute read

November 12, 2009 | The Legal Intelligencer

I recently had the honor of being part of a discussion panel at the University of Pennsylvania's Inn of Court. The question of the evening was whether it is practical, proper and feasible to perform Internet searches on juror names to collect information for jury selection.

By Melissa M. Gomez

1 minute read

March 28, 2012 | The Legal Intelligencer

The jurors arrive. Voices grumbling. Arms crossed. Scowls on faces. Minds searching for anything and everything they can say or do to get out of jury duty. These are the people who are making this decision that will so greatly impact your client? Yes, they are.

By Melissa M. Gomez

1 minute read