How to Win Cases and Influence People with Tara Trask 

Tara Trask is one of the nation’s leading jury consultants, specializing in civil litigation with a focus on complex commercial cases, including intellectual property, antitrust, and fraud. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked on more than 600 jury trials across 25 states and U.S. territories. Notably, she began her career under the mentorship of Dr. Phil McGraw at his trial consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences. Beyond her legal career, Trask has competed in over 125 triathlons and has been sober for over a decade after overcoming struggles with alcohol and substance use.

“The justice system only works when people participate. If you want to have a real voice in your community, show up for jury duty. Instead of looking for ways to get out of it, we should see it as an opportunity to shape the world we live in. More representative juries lead to fairer trials—that starts with all of us doing our part.”

She has also been an advocate and mentor for justice-impacted individuals through her involvement with The Last Mile. In her conversation with Ryan Leaf on The Last Mile Radio, Trask delves into the complexities of the jury selection process and the stark disparities between the civil and criminal justice systems. She discusses how her expertise in trial consulting has revealed systemic inequities, particularly the lack of representative juries in criminal cases, which often results in racial and socioeconomic biases. Her work has led her to advocate for broader participation in jury duty as a means to create fairer trials. Additionally, she reflects on her own recovery journey, emphasizing the importance of service, self-awareness, and mental resilience. The discussion also touches on broader societal issues, including gender identity, political fear-mongering, and the need for systemic change.

Episode Outline

(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:04:00) The Jury Selection Process & The Justice System
(00:09:00) The Reality of Jury Duty & Its Impact on Justice
(00:14:00) The Role of a Jury Consultant & Trial Preparation
(00:20:00) Gender and Identity in a Male-Dominated Industry
(00:26:00) Trans Rights, Political Fear-Mongering, & Social Perception
(00:33:00) Recovery & Its Impact on Career and Life Perspective
(00:39:00) The Rise & Resilience of The Chicks (Dixie Chicks)
(00:45:00) The Importance of Taking Accountability
(00:48:00) Athleticism & Physical Wellness
(00:52:00) Connection with The Last Mile
(00:55:00) Closing & Sports Talk