In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down once again with renowned trial lawyer and nationally recognized trial consultant John Camillus for a deep-dive masterclass on advanced trial tactics.
John returns for a rare second episode — not to revisit a past case, but to dissect how juries think, how lawyers misunderstand juror psychology, and how trial lawyers can sharpen their craft by leveraging focus groups, mock trials, A/B testing, and big-data-driven jury research.
Together, Andy and John break down topics every litigator must master:
How to get inside the mind of the jury
The difference between traditional focus groups and John’s “no-presentation” method
How to isolate key facts and test juror reactions in real time
How to avoid subconscious anchoring traps in damages
Why credibility, authenticity, simplicity, and clarity are the pillars of persuasion
The three biggest mistakes lawyers make at trial
And the three most important decisions trial lawyers must make about every single fact they present
This is a practical, tactical, candid conversation between two trial lawyers who live in the trenches — and one who has built a career understanding not just trial strategy, but human psychology itself.
If you’re a trial lawyer, trial-curious, or simply fascinated by how courtroom persuasion works, this episode is a must-listen.
Subscribe for more conversations with exceptional trial lawyers and trial consultants who share the strategies, lessons, and stories behind the verdicts.
Chapters (6 Total)
0:00 – Off Script: Diving Into Advanced Trial Tactics
Andy introduces the episode and explains why John returns to talk about juror psychology and trial strategy.
1:10 – Mind of the Jury: Blending Psychology and Trial Work
John explains the origins of his consulting firm, how psychology informs trial strategy, and why understanding juror thought processes is essential.
4:40 – Focus Groups vs. Mock Trials: What Lawyers Get Wrong
A deep breakdown of traditional focus groups, why they often limit insight, and how John’s no-presentation method uncovers juror-driven issues lawyers miss.
10:18 – Disentangling Facts: How Jurors Actually Form Opinions
John and Andy discuss isolating facts, avoiding subconscious juror rationalization, and why sequencing information matters.
17:00 – Big Data & A/B Testing for Trials
John explains online jury research, large-sample testing, and how A/B testing answers high-stakes questions about damages, witnesses, and presentation strategy.
24:55 – The Three Essentials & The Biggest Mistakes Lawyers Make
Andy shares his “Mount Rushmore” of trial skills — credibility, authenticity, clarity — and John responds with his own top three factors and common trial-lawyer pitfalls.
