Get Paid $60 to Sit on a
Practice Jury From Home.
Join a live Zoom session from home, hear a short version of a criminal case, talk it over with other Central Ohio residents, and tell our trial attorneys what you really think. No legal knowledge needed. Your honest opinion is the whole job.
Seats are filled to match a real Franklin County jury pool, so we need people from every age group, job and neighborhood.
A Practice Trial Where Everyday People Have the Final Say
Before a case goes in front of a real jury, good trial lawyers test their arguments on people who think like jurors. A mock jury is that test. Over a live Zoom call, you'll hear both sides of a case summary, look at a few exhibits on screen, and then discuss it with the rest of the panel, just like a real deliberation. There's no right answer. We want to hear what makes sense to you and what doesn't.
$60 per person for one online session, paid digitally once the session is complete.
Your reactions help our attorneys explain things more clearly and prepare for the questions real jurors ask.
No driving, no parking. All you need is a computer or tablet with a camera, a stable internet connection and a quiet room.
Get an inside look at how a criminal case is built and argued, without the pressure of real jury duty.
How It Works
Apply online
Answer a few quick questions so we can build a group that looks like a real Franklin County jury.
Get a confirmation call
If you're selected, we call or text you within a few days with the date and your private Zoom link.
Sign a confidentiality form online
Before the session, you e-sign a short agreement to keep the case details private. It takes two minutes.
Join the Zoom call and hear the case
Attorneys present both sides of a case summary on screen, a lot like a short trial, with exhibits and witness statements.
Deliberate and get paid
Talk it through with the group, fill out a short online questionnaire, and receive your $60 payment.
Thanks, You're on the List!
We'll review applications and contact selected panelists by phone or text with the session date and address. If you're not picked this time, we may reach out for a future session.
Who Can Take Part
- 18 or older and living in Franklin County
- Eligible to serve on an Ohio jury
- Comfortable reading and speaking English
- A computer or tablet with a working camera, microphone and stable internet
- A quiet, private space where no one else can see or hear the session
- Able to keep your camera on for the full session and keep case details private
- Not already scheduled for real jury service in the next 30 days
To keep results fair, we can't include people who work in law, courts or law enforcement, or who have a close family member who does. We also limit panelists to one session every 12 months.
A Panel That Looks Like Columbus
Real juries are a cross-section of the community, so ours need to be too. We're especially looking for:
What a Typical Saturday Looks Like
Times are a guide. Your confirmation message will have the exact schedule for your session.
Log In & Tech Check
Join the Zoom link, confirm your camera and audio work, and show your ID on camera.
Opening Statements
Each side gives a short overview of the case and what they expect to show.
Evidence & Witnesses
Hear witness summaries and view exhibits shared on screen. You can take notes.
Closing Arguments
Both sides wrap up and the moderator gives you simple jury instructions.
First Impressions
A short private questionnaire on how you see the case before discussion.
Deliberation
The panel talks it over in a private Zoom room and tries to reach a verdict together.
Debrief
Attorneys ask the group what stood out and what was confusing.
Wrap Up & Get Paid
Log off and you're done. Your $60 is sent by digital payment.
What You Need to Join
A laptop, desktop or tablet works best so you can see exhibits clearly. Phones are too small for this session.
Install the free Zoom app ahead of time. We send a short test link so you can check your setup before the day.
The Zoom session may be recorded so attorneys can review it later. Recordings stay private and are never posted.
Join from a space where no one else can see or hear the case. Headphones help keep things private.
Keep your camera on and other apps closed for the whole session, just like sitting in a real courtroom.
You'll briefly show a photo ID on camera at the start so we know you're the person we selected.
Your Information Stays With Us
We take your privacy as seriously as we take our clients'. Here's exactly how we handle your details.
Used Only for This Study
Your application is used to select panelists and contact you. It's never sold, shared or used for marketing.
No Real Names in the Case
Case materials are prepared for practice. Names and identifying details of real people are changed or removed.
A Simple Confidentiality Form
You agree not to discuss or post about the case. You're free to tell people you took part in a mock jury.
Remove Your Details Any Time
Ask us to delete your application and we will. Just call 614-280-9122.
Common Questions
Is this real jury duty?
No. It's a private research session. Your views help attorneys understand how ordinary people see a case. There's no real defendant or verdict in the room.
Who is running the study?
Sessions are organized by the trial team at Attorney Adam Burke LLC, a Columbus criminal defense firm. Attorneys use your feedback to prepare for real trials.
How and when do I get paid?
Each participant receives $60 by digital payment once the session is complete. You need to stay on the call for the whole session to receive payment.
Do I need to know anything about law?
No. We want regular people with regular opinions. Just listen carefully and be honest.
What if I'm not selected?
Each session needs a specific mix of ages, backgrounds and neighborhoods. If you're not a fit this time, we keep your application for future sessions unless you ask us to remove it.
What kind of cases will I hear?
Usually criminal cases heard in Central Ohio courts. Some cases may involve serious subject matter. We'll give you a general heads-up in your confirmation message.
Can I leave the call early?
We ask everyone to stay for the full session, since every voice counts in deliberation. Payment requires attending the whole session.
What do I need to join?
A laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, the free Zoom app, and a quiet private room.
What if my internet drops during the session?
Rejoin using the same Zoom link as quickly as you can. A team member will be on hand to help. Short drops are fine.
Can someone else in my home watch or listen?
No. To keep the case confidential, you need to be alone in the room or wearing headphones for the full session.
Can I apply with a friend or family member?
Each person needs to apply on their own. We usually avoid placing people who know each other on the same panel.
What if I need to cancel?
Let us know at least 48 hours ahead so we can offer your seat to someone else. Reply to your confirmation text or call 614-280-9122.
How often can I take part?
Once every 12 months. Fresh panels give our attorneys the most honest, unbiased feedback.
Seats Fill Fast.
Apply Today and Join From Home.
It takes about a minute to apply. Franklin County residents, 18 and over. Selected panelists earn $60 for one online session over Zoom.