Company Founder and Senior Research Analyst: V. Hale Starr, Ph.D.

V. Hale Starr, Ph.D. in communication research from the University of Iowa, is founder of Starr Litigation Services, Inc. Hale is one of the pioneers of jury and trial consulting, and since 1977 has consulted in more than 3,000 cases. Hale has substantial experience in complex civil litigation, including antitrust, intellectual property, labor and employment, products liability, and tort matters, among other areas.

Dr. Starr is the author of three definitive works on jury consulting. Her first book, Jury Selection (Little, Brown 1993)—co-authored with former Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark McCormick—is updated annually and is now in its 4th edition. Her second book, Jury Selection: Sample Voir Dire Questions, appeared first in 1993 and is updated annually. Hale's latest book, Witness Preparation, was released in April 1998 by Aspen Publishing and is also updated annually.

A highly regarded consultant for witness preparation, Dr. Starr has prepared countless lay witnesses and expert witnesses, including CEOs, CFOs, managers, and employees of companies ranging from family-owned to Fortune 50. Her expert method of witness preparation centers on teaching witnesses how to enhance their credibility. She does not give witnesses scripted, substantive answers to memorize; instead, she focuses on the process of testifying, using the five factors of credibility plus video feedback so that witnesses learn to self-assess and improve their own performance. By the end of the sessions, most witnesses become skillful in handling all aspects of testifying.