At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go “beyond the bio” and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
Tracy Farrell and Carey Hand have both worn many hats in their jury consulting career and are driven to develop their colleagues’ skills as well as their own. Tracy and Carey’s industry knowledge and experience are invaluable to ensuring our clients’ jury research projects (including focus groups, mock trials, and social media profiles) are conducted seamlessly and strategically. Read on to learn how they found the jury consulting field, which aspects they enjoy most, and what they feel sets the IMS team apart.
Tracy Farrell, Senior Jury Consultant
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: About 27 years ago I responded to an ad for an administrative assistant position for a small trial consulting firm. At the time, the job was more of what we at IMS call a jury research coordinator, but I wore many hats. I planned and attended jury research projects and also acted as a moderator for focus groups and mock trials. Around a year into the role, I entered my first courtroom and assisted with my first jury selection.
Q: Why did you choose IMS?
A: I was familiar with the jury consulting team at Litigation Insights after many years in the industry and knew they were now part of a larger organization—IMS. The longevity and stability this represented was appealing after the COVID pandemic had been difficult on many smaller firms, and I was ready for a change all around.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I’ve been in the field for a long time and even though this is one of the larger groups I’ve worked with, I appreciate the collaboration and others’ willingness to be flexible and step in to achieve whatever the goal is at the time. It really does take a village, and I appreciate how many team members it takes to smoothly run a research exercise and provide the work and assistance for each jury selection.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I have been with IMS for just over a year, so it has been a transition in many ways. Sometimes it’s the little things I’m proud of, such as mastering our new expense software application. I’m glad to be part of the conversation on ways to improve the department, streamline protocols, and utilize my experience to train and share useful wisdom with the next generation of jury consultants.
Q: Are there any memories you’d like to share?
A: There have been countless fond memories over the years. That is one great thing about this industry; it leaves you with so many stories, given the myriad of moving parts and travel. Some have been incredibly entertaining and others more harrowing, depending on the circumstances.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: It’s the breadth of experience of our jury consulting “bench” and the incredible talent of the newer folks who consistently demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in an environment that encourages and rewards it. The ease with which the different IMS departments (consulting, graphics, trial techs, etc.) can seamlessly work together as a team through every phase of litigation truly sets us apart.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: At the end of the day, it is always about providing clients with the best we have to offer and taking those extra steps as needed to make that happen. That’s why “Quality & Excellence” is such an important value for our company and me personally. As a team, we take pride in going the extra mile for our clients.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: Again, it is our ability to integrate talent from other departments to meet the consulting needs of our clients—from jury research to selection and throughout trial.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: For those of us who have been doing this for so long, it has been a roller coaster of a technology ride. COVID definitely threw a wrench in the mix and prompted what are now flawless online research capabilities, as well as the administering of questionnaires online and even onsite with iPads and tablets. I think that is all here to stay, and it opens the possibilities to obtain valuable jury research feedback in so many different ways.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: It is not usually about the case itself, though some are more interesting than others. Oftentimes it’s the team you work with (whether it is our internal IMS team or the client’s trial team) and sometimes even the location that makes the work most enjoyable.
Carey Hand, Jury Research Services Supervisor
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I happened to fall into the jury consulting industry by chance after meeting the spouse of Dr. Merrie Jo Pitera, former CEO of Litigation Insights and now IMS Senior Jury Consulting Advisor, while working in the hospitality industry in Kansas City. I always had an interest in the legal field and thought it would be a unique way to use my event planning and logistics skills. I was not fully aware of the distinct complexity of this work, but I have not turned back since.
Q: How did you find IMS?
A: I worked as a jury research coordinator with Litigation Insights for 11 years before we were acquired by IMS in September 2021. Since joining IMS, I have enjoyed being part of a larger company that prioritizes employee development and is always looking to improve our services in order to continue standing out as an industry leader. I look forward to growing alongside the company.
Q: What do you like most about your specific role?
A: I enjoy working with the entire jury consulting department; it keeps me on my toes. The legal industry is ever-changing, and each day brings a new and different challenge. My current role as IMS Jury Research Services Supervisor allows me the best of both worlds. I continue to do what I love, working closely with our team to organize and develop our jury research project logistics while putting efforts into training, mentoring, and growing our team. I enjoy sharing my talents and wealth of knowledge of the industry with my team and watching them flourish in their roles. My position at IMS has also provided me with opportunities to learn new skills in leadership, management, and operations.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am proud to lead our team of jury research coordinators; they are the heart and backbone of the department and make it all happen. Their role is integral to our continued success. I am proud to work with such a hard-working and devoted team.
Q: Are there any memories you’d like to share?
A: After more than 12 years of work travel and working with jurors, I have had some crazy and unique experiences. Traveling is one of the perks of this industry, and I have enjoyed traveling all over the country, including many places I would not have chosen on my own. Having travel experiences with your coworkers not only provides fun times and laughter but creates a team bond like no other.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: Our team and talent set us apart from competitors. The IMS team is compiled of the most intelligent, creative, and dedicated people I have worked with. Everyone is determined to provide our clients with the highest level of service possible, and we are dedicated to their success. We work long hours and late nights and travel for hours to make it happen.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: “Operate as One” is a core value for me. I really enjoy the team aspect of our department and the entire company. Having a team with so many diverse skill sets is one of our superpowers—there is always someone who can help if needed.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: The State of MN v. Derek Chauvin case is one of the most memorable cases I have worked on. Although we always work hard and strive for all our clients to have the best outcome, this case felt especially significant. All the long hours and challenging work were making an impact for the greater good.
Learn More
We are grateful to Tracy and Carey for their dedication to “Operate as One” and deliver “Quality & Excellence” in support of clients and colleagues alike. We hope you enjoyed reading about the experience and talents of these incredible jury consulting professionals.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and read more about our culture and career opportunities.
