Dr. Merrie Jo Pitera is the Senior Jury Consulting & Strategy Advisor at IMS Legal Strategies. A recognized expert in psychology and communication, she specializes in complex litigation, strategic consultation, and witness preparation.
With 35 years of experience, Merrie Jo has led hundreds of cases, bringing a deep understanding of the high stakes involved in litigation.
She excels at helping IMS clients craft compelling case themes and perform at their best. Her areas of expertise span intellectual property, employment, commercial, environmental, transportation, insurance bad faith, and product liability/personal injury litigation. Known for her perceptive listening and keen observation of jury dynamics, Merrie Jo offers clear, actionable insights into how juror sentiments may influence decision-makers. Numerous clients have described her guidance as “invaluable.”
Beyond her jury consulting work, Merrie Jo specializes in preparing fact witnesses, including corporate representatives and C-suite executives, as well as expert witnesses for depositions, trials, arbitrations, and congressional hearings.
She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences on jury behavior and witness preparation techniques. Her thought leadership is reflected in regular contributions to legal publications, covering topics such as jury selection, witness communication, and trial readiness.
Education
- PhD, Communication Studies (Emphasis in Legal Communication), University of Kansas
- MA, Social Psychology, University of Kansas
- BA, Psychology, Clemson University
Affiliations
- Member, The American Society of Trial Consultants
Notable Publications and Presentations
- Pitera, M.J. & Davis, D. (2025). The Witness X-Factor: Preparation, Presentation, and Turning Down the Heat. Seminar for Norton Rose Fulbright, Minneapolis, MN.
- Pitera, M.J. (2024 & 2025). Psychological Considerations & Strategies for Deposition. Lecture to the University of Minnesota Law School Experiential Education Deposition Class 6247, Minneapolis, MN.
- Pitera, M.J. & Hiley, A. (2024). Choosing the Right Corporate Representative. USLAW, (Fall), 30-31.
- Pitera, M.J. (2024). The Truth Told Well: Medical Malpractice Witness Preparation. Insights.
- Pitera, M.J. (2023). Nuclear Verdicts: Avoiding Corporate Testimony that Makes Jurors Press the Big Red Button. Keynote address for Allied World Panel Counsel Claims Summit, Hartford, CT.
- Pitera, M.J. (2021). Which Is Best When Conducting a Mock Trial: One Jury Panel vs. Multiple Jury Panels. Insights.
- Pitera, M.J. (2021). How Body Language Can Impact Witness Credibility. Insights.
- Pitera, M.J. (2021). What Causes “Nuclear Verdicts”? (Part 1). Insights.
- Pitera, M.J. (2021). What Causes “Nuclear Verdicts”? (Part 2). Insights.
- Pitera, M.J. (2021). Mock Trial Versus Deliberation Group: What is the Difference? Insights.
Featured Insights by Merrie Jo Pitera, PhD
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Will My Expert Witness Appear Biased?
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