Paid Mock Trial and Jury Research
Panelpolls members are invited to participate in paid mock trials and jury research. Review real case materials and share your perspectives to help legal teams better understand how juries think and decide. Earn e-gift card rewards for your time.
What is a Mock Trial?
A mock trial (also known as jury research) is a research study where participants review legal case materials and share their opinions as if they were jurors.
Attorneys use mock trials to better understand how people may interpret evidence, arguments, and testimony before a case goes to court. Your feedback helps legal teams prepare more effectively.
Depending on the study, you may review written case summaries, watch video presentations, listen to arguments, or participate in group discussions about the case.
Mock trials are commonly used to explore:
- Reactions to legal arguments or evidence
- Credibility of witnesses or experts
- Perceptions of liability or responsibility
- Decision-making around damages or outcomes
- Overall impressions of a case
Sessions may last several hours or, in some cases, a full day. Shorter mock jury exercises may run 1–3 hours.
What to Expect
If you’re selected for a mock trial or jury research study, here’s what the experience usually looks like:
- A scheduled session at a specific date and time
- Review of case materials (written, audio, or video)
- Individual surveys and/or group discussion
- A trained moderator guiding the process
- Confidentiality requirements due to the legal nature of the topic
- Clear instructions provided in advance
Some mock trials take place in person at a research facility, while others are conducted online through a secure platform.
You are not expected to have legal knowledge. Researchers are interested in your honest reactions and opinions.
Incentives for Mock Trials
Participants who complete a mock trial typically earn $75–$150+ per study as a thank-you for their time and careful consideration.
Incentives vary by study and are typically based on:
- Length of the session
- Whether the study is virtual or in person
- Level of participation required
After completing the session, you’ll receive a reward link or payment details as outlined in advance.
Who Can Participate in Paid Mock Trials & Jury Research?
Mock trials may include:
- Adults 18 and older
- Individuals eligible for jury duty
- Residents of specific counties, states, or regions (depending on the case)
Each study has strict eligibility requirements, and participants may be screened based on location, background, or prior experiences to ensure a representative group.
Not every Panelpolls member will qualify for every mock trial opportunity.
Why Participate in a Paid Mock Trial?
Many participants find mock trials engaging because they offer:
- An opportunity to hear and evaluate real legal scenarios
- A structured and thought-provoking experience
- The chance to contribute to the legal preparation process
- Meaningful compensation for your time
Your honest perspective helps attorneys understand how a jury may view a case.
How Paid Mock Trials Work
A quick and easy process from sign-up to reward:
- Join Panelpolls for free and create a profile
- Tell us about yourself so we can determine eligibility
- Get invited by email and opt in when a study is right for you
- If selected, attend mock trial session and review materials, participate in discussion, and share your opinions
- Receive your reward after completing the session
Your Privacy & Safety Come First
Panelpolls is committed to protecting participant privacy and conducting research responsibly. We follow strict data privacy practices and work with trusted research partners to ensure all information is handled securely and ethically.
For research involving children and teens, Panelpolls is kidSAFE Certified and fully compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Parental consent is always required, and youth participation is designed to be age-appropriate, transparent, and safe.
- kidSAFE Certified & COPPA Compliant
- Transparent research practices and clear participant communication
- Parental consent required for all youth participation
- Compliance with U.S. data privacy regulations, including CCPA
- Dedicated support team available to answer participant questions
