Why Convene is a Top Venue for Hosting Mock Trials

In the complex world of litigation, understanding the intricate workings of a jury's mindset can be the difference between success and failure. Consultancies, such as First Court, orchestrate mock trials that provide invaluable insights to attorneys and organizations across the United States. These mock trials offer a lens into the potential reactions of real juries, thus empowering legal teams to navigate the complexities of the courtroom with precision and foresight. 

We recently spoke with Kristi Harrington, a Trial Consultant for First Court. Kristi sheds light on the strategic importance of partnering with venues like Convene to orchestrate successful mock trials nationwide.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself, where you're based, and your position at First Court. 

My name is Kristi Harrington and I am a Trial Consultant for First Court, a company that helps attorneys resolve disputes. Primarily, we focus on mediation and litigation trial consulting; the latter part is where we use Convene. I am based in Charleston, South Carolina, and the company is based in North Dakota with employees nationwide. We host mock trials all over the country. 

How did you learn about Convene?

Another consultant at First Court hosted a mock trial at Convene Commerce Square in Philadelphia several years ago and had such a great experience that we kept coming back. We don't say that about every location we go to. When we're looking for locations to host mock trials, we shop around to make sure that they meet our specifications: reliable and fast WiFi; good size; and good value for our clients. Convene meets all those requirements. 

What type of events is First Court responsible for, and how many of them do you organize annually?

We host about 50 mock trials or focus groups nationwide each year. Initially, attorneys hire First Court and then, for most projects, we need to find facilities that have built-in technology and are large enough to host up to at least 40 people comfortably.

What does a typical mock trial event look like for First Court at Convene? 

We start setting up a day or two in advance so we can have a dry run with our clients, without any jurors there, to make sure our tech and their presentations are working smoothly. 

Then, on the day of the event, jurors start showing up at 6:30am. At the very start, Convene has coffee going, breakfast prepared, and people warmly greeting our jurors as they get off the elevators and directing them where they need to go. 

We start presentations at 8am and we usually keep jurors until 5pm. After they have left, we debrief with our client so we're in the event space with the clients until about 6pm. Then we break everything down to get back on the road to our next project. 

Why does First Court use Convene?

We’re always traveling to the areas where jurors are located and where the case is going to be trialed, so we have to outsource space for mock trials. 

Even though we book spaces all over the country, we love booking with Convene whenever we can because they know what to expect from us every time, from start to finish. That peace of mind about everything from the food to the technology is important to us. Here’s what First Court’s Director of Information Technology, Damon Williams, said:

I love Convene because we never have to worry about tech. They always have capacity. Everything always works there with no fuss. Network coverage is fast and excellent. Tech can be an unknown going into new places and can sometimes be a nightmare, but never with Convene. We always have full confidence in knowing we can do what we need to do when we book with them.

How does Convene help First Court achieve their goals?

We want our clients - who are the attorneys that hire us - to have an excellent experience when hosting a mock trial. Convene has become an extension of our team by anticipating and addressing every need that our clients have. 

Every detail has been thought of at Convene, such as offering complimentary snacks and beverages at the Nourish snack bars, a clean and welcoming environment, and quiet spaces to work. We can’t give our clients this kind of space or experience online or in any other type of facility. 

What is your favorite part about hosting events at Convene?

Oh my gosh, the people! I love everyone at Convene. 

To walk in and have everybody know you by your name - because you’ve worked with them before and they’re excited to see you back in the space again - is wonderful. 

We sometimes run our events in hotel ballrooms but we never get the personalized attention that Convene gives us. Those small things make it particularly nice when we're away from home and traveling.