How to Start a Mock Jury Business

Start a mock jury business by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Mock Jury Business
2. Form your Mock Jury Business into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Mock Jury Business for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Mock Jury Business
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Mock Jury Business
7. Get Mock Jury Business Insurance
8. Define your Mock Jury Business Brand
9. Create your Mock Jury Business Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your mock jury business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening a mock jury business?

As previously mentioned, many trial attorneys have shifted to online mock juries, enabling entrepreneurs to shift their business model. A dedicated office building is no longer necessary, which significantly reduces startup costs. To start your business, you will need a computer, high-speed internet, and a telephone. While these costs are minimal, you will need to invest in a robust website and software that collects potential mock juror information. Your software should assist you in identifying potential jurors that match your client’s needs and have the ability to process payments once a juror’s job is complete. This targeted software could set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the specifics you choose.

What are the ongoing expenses for a mock jury business?

Whether you decide to conduct all your business in person, online, or a combination of both, ongoing expenses for this type of business are fairly low. Website maintenance, software fees, and insurance should be budgeted for each month. Payment to mock jurors will represent the largest part of your ongoing expense budget. Fortunately, jurors are paid as freelancers, eliminating payroll costs that many businesses incur.

Who is the target market?

In the broad sense, your target market includes all law firms that do not have their own in-house jury consultant on payroll. However, many mock jury business owners have found success narrowing their targets to niche markets, allowing them to become a leader in their specialty.

How does a mock jury business make money?

Mock jury businesses act as a middleman, furnishing their clients with anywhere from twelve to seventy-two jurors. The business collects payment for their services and passes a portion of that payment on to each individual juror.

How much can you charge customers?

The price for a professional, in-person mock jury ranges anywhere from $3,500 to $50,000. Fees for online mock juries are significantly lower and vary in cost depending on how many jurors are required and the details of each case.

How much profit can a mock jury business make?

While collected fees are lower for online mock juries, your pool of potential customers and jurors expands exponentially. If you set up eight mock juries a week and gross $200/event, you stand to generate a profit of over $83,000 a year without ever leaving the comfort of your home office.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Business owners striving to increase profits should consider expanding their services to include jury consulting, telephone and online surveys, and focus groups. Additionally, while the overhead costs are higher and they require more work, organizations that offer in-person mock juries collect a much steeper payment.

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your mock jury business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

Do you have a background as a trial attorney or social psychologist? Have you noticed an area where the industry is lacking? Do you have fresh ideas/insight into how the process could be improved for its customers? The mock jury business is profitable and fast-paced, offering business owners the opportunity to travel and utilize their knowledge and experience in a new and fresh way.

What happens during a typical day at a mock jury business?

As the mock jury business owner, you will be responsible for ensuring each mock trial achieves its intended outcome. You will meet with each client to review the details of the case and their mock jury needs. This information is then used to select and hire individual jurors that most closely meet those needs. 

It is also your responsibility to ensure all jurors arrive on time, whether in-person or online. Depending upon your client’s needs, you may be required to select a venue and oversee the mock jury proceedings. Once proceedings are complete, the client may need you to collect feedback, prepare a report on your findings, and deliver it to the hiring trial attorney. Reports typically include relevant information regarding each mock juror, including gender, race, age, and employment history.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful mock jury business?

While there are no legal requirements regarding education and background, most business owners in this industry have achieved a degree in a related field. A background in trial law proves beneficial in identifying client needs and mock jury selection. While not necessary, behavioral insight will also set you apart from the competition.

Individuals hoping to build a successful mock jury business would also benefit from excellent communication and interpersonal skills, business development, marketing techniques, and writing skills.

What is the growth potential for a mock jury business?

This industry first gained traction in the late 70s and early 80s. At that time, law firms employed a trial consultant who was responsible for setting up their agency’s mock trials. The emergence of new technology, however, has caused a shift in procedure. Law firms are now able to hire mock jurors on an as-needed basis. Successful entrepreneurs are now able to expand their services, reaching both clients and potential mock jurors on a national level.