About Us:

Magna Legal Services provides end-to-end legal support services to law firms, corporations, and governmental agencies throughout the nation. As an end-to-end service provider, we can provide strategic advantages to our clients by offering legal support services at every stage of their legal proceedings.

Job Description: Research Associate

Magna Legal Services is committed to fostering the next generation of professionals interested in the dynamic intersection of psychology and law. This Research Associate position is designed to provide full-time, hands-on exposure to the daily work of jury consultants. The role will last for six (6) months, after which Magna will evaluate the associate’s performance and determine whether to advance the associate into a full-time Junior Jury Consultant position.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Associate (Jury Consulting)

Location: Flexible (Remote/On-site)

Position Summary:

Magna Legal Services seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our Jury Consulting team. This role offers the unique opportunity to participate in research and consulting projects that combine psychology, social science, and law to support trial strategy. The Research Associate will assist senior consultants in analyzing juror behavior, conducting background and social science research, contributing to mock jury trials and focus group studies, and managing data collection efforts. This position is both developmental and evaluative, providing skills and experiences necessary for a potential transition into a Junior Jury Consultant role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Jury Director and provide support for Director’s jury consulting research work.  This could include preparing correspondence, observing focus group research activity, and supporting work for jury research such as drafting, and focus group logistics. 
• Conduct background and demographic research on potential jurors using public records, online tools, and social media.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from mock jury research, focus groups, and surveys.
• Assist in designing, preparing, and refining survey instruments, scripts, and research materials.
• Observe and summarize findings from mock deliberations and focus group sessions.
• Support administrative and data management tasks including data entry, spreadsheet/database maintenance, and research organization.
• Contribute to focus group reporting by synthesizing findings and preparing summary reports for consultants.
• Collaborate with the consulting team on special projects that align with research and trial preparation needs.
• Uphold confidentiality and professional ethics in handling sensitive case and juror information.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and accountability in completing assigned tasks.
• Engage in training and professional development opportunities provided by Magna.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate-level coursework or degree in law, psychology, political science, or related fields preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with research software (e.g., SPSS, Qualtrics, LexisNexis, Westlaw) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits

• Full-time professional experience in jury consulting research and litigation support.
• Mentorship and career development with experienced jury consultants.
• Exposure to a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Opportunity for career advancement to Junior Jury Consultant based on performance.

Compensation: USD $60,000 - $70,000 per year.

After the 6-month period, the Research Associate will be evaluated and considered for the position of the Magna Jury Consultant. Compensation for the Jury Consultant position, if hire, would include additional incentives in the range of $35,000 to $50,000.

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Magna Legal Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.