How to Make Money As a Mock Juror

This post will cover what a mock juror is, how much they can make, and where you can find work. 

What is a Mock Juror?

A mock juror is someone who reads (or watches) notes from a case and submits their opinion about it, as though they were a member of the jury. Attorneys will use these pre-trials as a way to gauge how the real trial will go. The opinions received from this information will shape the way they approach a case in trial.

What are the Requirements to Be a Mock Juror?

While requirements will vary depending on the company, you will generally find the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• A citizen of the United States
• The ability to read and write
• No history of a felony
• Must have a sound mind
• Not a Lawyer or Related to One – You may be disqualified if you are a layer or related to one closely. (There are exceptions, such as JuryTest)
• A resident of the Area – Sometimes a requirement of the case is that you must be a resident of the area where the trial is being held. 

How Much Money Can a Mock Juror Make?

A mock juror will typically make between $5-$400 depending on the size of the job. $10-$60 is what is typically seen. While most jobs are done in a reasonable amount of time, mock juror work is infrequent and can’t be relied upon as a sole way to earn money. It is a great side hustle though!

Live Jury Work

You may be able to find live jury work by checking out postings in your local newspaper. Typically these jobs will only last a day and people can be paid anywhere from $50-$150. 

You can also fill out an application on SignupDirect, National Legal Research, and Advanced Jury Research. You will be notified if you have been selected for a job in your community. 

Online Mock Juror Jobs

In order to work for an online mock juror site, you will need to fill out an application. Here are a few places online where you can get mock jury work:

1. 1. JuryTalk

   When signing up for Jury Talk, you will be asked for personal information. This is so that the attorneys can gather specific data based on demographics, schooling information, and political/religious views, and select a targeted jury sample. Jury talk offers work in both mock trials and legal focus groups. They will notify you when you have been selected to participate. 

   Jury Talk has been in operation for 40 years and is a division of the Wilmington Institute Network. They are based in Dallas, Texas, but will generally work with people from anywhere. 

2. 2. Resolution Research

   Resolution Research may pay between $5-$400 for mock jury work. The amount you are paid will depend on the research project you are assigned to do. This site also allows you to be paid to fill out other surveys as well. You can withdraw your payment at any time. Resolution Research also has a referral program. 

   As a mock juror, you will need to try to see the case from both sides, then give your opinion. You should also point out anything that may need clarity. 

3. 3. Online Verdict

   Online Verdict has been in operation since 2004. As a juror, you would provide feedback to attorneys that will help them determine how to approach it in the actual trial. They are one of the higher-paying sites on our list. They typically pay $20-$60 for 20-60 minutes of work. You will be paid by a check if you are selected to work for them. They also offer focus group opportunities. The company generally hires between 25-50 jurors per case. 

   As a side note, Clark Howard and the Clark Howard show endorses OnlineVerdict.

4. 4. eJury

   Founded by Christopher L. Bagby in 1999, eJury is a good juror site for beginners. While they pay less than other sites, they help you learn the process. In fact, they have a section on their site dedicated to teaching the process and a sample case for you to peruse.

   People who are given work from eJury earn between $5-10 per case. They say it typically takes 35 minutes to complete a 6-page case. 

5. 5. JuryTest

   Developed by Adam Rosen, J.D.,Ph.D, Jury Test was created as an alternative to mock trials. An attorney using JuryTest will record their case on a toll-free number (or live-action on RealPlayer). At that point, jurors will call to listen to the case and review the exhibits. When they are finished, they will leave feedback on the JuryTest website. Each case is typically between 5-30 minutes

6. 6. Virtual Jury

   The Wilmington Institute Network is also responsible for Virtual Jury. It has been developed after 40 years of conducting jury studies. The chief, forensic psychologist Dr Rober Gordon, and his team have also conducted more than 1,000 focus groups. 

Don’t Fall for Scams

You never have to pay or join a paid membership to sign up to be part of a potential jury pool. Don’t give anyone your financial information (bank account or credit card numbers). Legitimate sites will pay you via check or through PayPal and will never charge you to join. 

Pros and Cons of Being a Mock Juror

Pros of Being a Mock Juror

There are two main pros of being a mock juror at home:

• You Can Do It From Home

  Unless you want to participate in a community mock trial, you can do this job from home. 

• It Can Potentially Pay Well

  You are typically paid well for your time. In fact, mock jurors tend to make more than real jurors. 

Cons of Being a Mock Juror

There is really only one major con with being a mock juror:

• Sporadic Work

  While you are paid well for the time you spend working, there is rarely work available. While this is a good side hustle, you won’t be able to replace your job with it.