How to Make $100 an Hour by Participating in Mock Trials

I love doing Mock Trials. I would do them for free because they are so much fun. However, I love the $100 an hour they pay me for participating as well. I usually spend 2 hours at a Mock Trial and therefore make $200 per session. I like the free lunch and soft drinks they usually throw in for free. I would love to help you participate in these activities and make the same stipend I do. First, I will explain what Mock Trials are. Next I will tell you how to become a participant if these group activities appeal to you. Finally, I will give you some tips so they call you back again and again.

Mock Trials

A Mock Trial is generally a group of 24 individuals who sit in a gallery of chairs in a large room. Also present are a Prosecution and a Defense Attorney, who are real attorneys and often one or two filming crews. One of the Attorneys tells you generally what is expected of you. If you agree you sign a confidentiality statement. After the Mock trials the Lawyers and the clients sit in an adjacent room with two one way mirror and a video recorder with sound recording capabilities to find out the responses of the group. This will provide valuable information to them to see if they have a viable case. In addition, if this is a civil case (and most are), the Attorneys get a preview of just how much money the Mock Jury would feel inclined to award the client. More important they will see if the Mock Jury feels inclined to dismiss the charges.

The case is presented to all 24 persons in an abbreviated fashion. Background issues and case history are summarized. The Defense and Prosecution Attorneys then start to present their arguments. The actual victims are examined and cross examined along with any relevant witnesses. Then, as in a real trial the summations are given by Defense and Prosecution Attorneys. When the Mock Trial is over, the 24 people are divided into two groups of 12 each. They are each asked to select a jury foreman. Then deliberations start until a verdict is in or one or both of the juries are hung.

The Defense and Prosecution Attorneys can then ask the juries questions about what they were thinking, why they made their decisions, what would have change their minds, how they arrive at the financial reward amounts, etc. That marks the end of the session and the participants are paid and dismissed.

Tips

It pays to look neat, well groomed and fairly well dressed, although business casual is fine. If you arrive and see well over 24 participants don't worry. Some people often don't show up so they over book the number of people. Some of the jury members can't stay so you may become an alternate juror. It doesn't matter because all people invited get paid if they stay from beginning to end.

How To Participate In Mock Trials

There are many legal firms that utilize Mock Trials and maintain a participant data base. The number firms using Mock Trials is continually growing since this is a great and relatively inexpensive way to determine large monetary rewards. If the juries acquit, it gives the lawyers a good incentive to settle as soon as possible. Look in you local newspaper for opening for Mock Trials in your area. Also search the Web for Mock Trials in your area.

How To Keep Getting Call Backs

You should dress appropriately, speak clearly, participate in the deliberations, offer insights if questioned, pay attention, and do what your jury foreman says. These will get you call backs again and again.

How are you paid?

You are usually full cash in an envelope at the conclusion of the Mock Trial. Sometime a check is given instead.

Enjoy this money making activity and have a good time, I do.

Please read my related article entitled How To Make $100 An Hour Participating In Focus Groups.