In this IMS Insights Podcast, Senior Client Success Advisor Adam Bloomberg talks with Senior Jury Consulting & Strategy Advisor Chris Dominic to unpack key findings from the BTI Litigation Outlook Index and explore what they mean for today’s corporate counsel and their outside legal teams.
Tune in as Adam and Chris discuss:
- Why in-house counsel demands fresh thinking over recycled playbooks
- How social science and jury behavior insights uncover leverage points that shift outcomes
- Why the best legal technology simplifies litigation strategy instead of overcomplicating it
- How the responsible use of generative AI enhances clarity and accelerates decisions
Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the challenges today’s in-house counsel faces—and the innovative strategies helping them stay ahead of the competition. Join the discussion and share your perspective on the latest corporate litigation trends.
Watch the original LinkedIn Live recording here.
Adam: OK, Chris, I think we're live here.
Adam: Good morning, everyone. I'm Adam Bloomberg, Senior Client Success Advisor here at IMS, and I'm based in Dallas, TX. Today, we're speaking about the BTI Litigation Outlook Index, which is a widely respected annual report that surveys corporate counsel and law firm leaders to identify trends shaping the legal market, helping attorneys understand client expectations and anticipating shifts in demand.
Joining me is Chris Dominic, Senior Strategy and Jury Consulting advisor based in Portland, OR.
Good morning, Chris.
Chris: Morning, Adam.
Adam: All right, so this year's BTI report outlined some emerging trends defining how in-house counsel are evolving their approach. They're as always, under pressure to do more with less while staying strategic. They need, you know, fresh ideas, creative insights, and even AI generative tools that push the envelope in litigation. So my question to you is, how do you see IMS helping them?
Chris: Well, we know our clients don't want recycled thinking. They are looking for perspectives grounded in social science, jury behavior and trial strategy, but applied in ways that feel fresh. Sometimes that's a new theme, sometimes it's a different way to look at a venue. Sometimes it's just seeing the leverage points they might have missed. The point is, I guess they, they don't need more noise. They need ideas that actually change outcomes.
Adam: Something you and I hear over and over from corporate counsel is about technology. They want partners who can use it really well, but not in a way that that's going to overcomplicate things. They're looking for tech that makes their job easier, not harder. What do you think about that?
Chris: I think the big picture here is technology can be overwhelming, but when it's used well, it simplifies and IMS, we use it to make things easier and more persuasive. That could be a juror insights app like The Advantage, which is our interactive juror insights application that allows you to visualize mock jury data in a powerful new way and quickly assess the strength of your case, themes, evidence, witnesses. Or it could be our interactive timeline tool, like Kronos that makes a complex story digestible by providing A strategic visual road map of your case and instant access to related exhibits. For corporate counsel, that means they can see risks and options more clearly and communicate them internally with more confidence.
Adam: Another thing we hear a lot from corporate counsel is they don't want a rehash of the same old playbook. They want strategies they've never seen before, you know, something that actually makes them stop and think differently about their position in the case or even, you know, see their case in a completely new light. How do we provide that kind of fresh perspective?
Chris: Well, when I think about what I've heard in house, counsel tell me, it's something along the lines of please don't tell me what I already know. Show me a path I haven't considered. And that's where the mix of our consultants, our data analytics, and our communication tools come in. Whether it's early case evaluation or building trial themes, we can surface strategies that feel new, not for novelty's sake, but because they open doors to better strategic paths.
Adam: Back to the BTI report, Generative AI is on everyone's mind. The BTI report says 52% of corporate counsel are using some form of AI. Now, how does IMS utilize it in a manner that that really truly benefits clients?
Chris: Yeah, this comes up all the time. Now, generative AI is obviously on everyone's radar. Our approach is to use it responsibly as an accelerator, a tool, not a substitute for expertise because AI can process massive amounts of information quickly, which is amazing, but it takes experienced consultants to interpret it to know what actually matters in the courtroom. That balance of tack and human judgement is where IMS can give clients confidence.
Adam: All right, before we wrap up, I'd love to give you the last word for corporate counsel who, who may be watching this and thinking what, what should they expect from a partner like IMS in, in today's environment? You know, what are your final thoughts? What would you leave them with?
Chris: I'd say a common theme from corporate counsel I speak to today is I'd really like fewer surprises and better outcomes, Please. IMS helps on both fronts. We, bring fresh ideas, the properties of technology and strategies that are battle tested, but they're not cookie cutter. That combination is what enables our clients to make more informed decisions earlier in the litigation life cycle, whether it's having their jury due diligence properly ready for a mediation or later in a battle plan for trial.
Adam: Well, Chris, I appreciate your time today. It's great to see you.
Chris: Good to see you too Adam.
Adam (OUTRO): Thank you to our guest for speaking with us today. To discover how the IMS team can help give your case an edge, check out imslegal.com or shoot us an e-mail at Contact Us at imslegal.com. IMS has served trusted law firms and corporations worldwide for more than 30 years and over 65,000 cases. As a strategic partner for the full case life cycle, our integrated teams provide specialized advisory support, expert witness services, litigation consulting, visual advocacy, and presentation technology to elevate strategies and protect hard earned reputations. Learn more at imslegal.com.
