Winning the Jury: Advanced Techniques for Selecting Jurors, Presenting Evidence, and Closing Effectively

Christopher Cianci | Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Attorney Christopher Cianci (“See-an-see”) brings a powerful combination of experience in employment law and a deep understanding of his clients’ businesses. Drawing on this knowledge and insight, he helps employers tackle complex legal challenges and achieve the best possible outcomes.

With 15 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney, Chris focuses on employment law and business litigation. His employment practice involves advising and representing employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including single-plaintiff wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims; wage and hour claims; class and representative (PAGA) actions; and trade secret matters. In business litigation, he handles cases involving breach of contract, unfair competition, fraud, and ownership, partnership, and shareholder disputes.

Chris has successfully served as lead counsel in both jury and bench trials. He has represented clients in all kinds of proceedings, including evidentiary hearings, depositions, arbitrations, and mediations, securing favorable outcomes at every stage of litigation, including summary judgment and appeals.

Beyond litigation, Chris advises clients on a variety of employment and business-related matters. He offers guidance on employment policy development; employee hiring, retention, performance, and termination practices; FMLA/CFRA leave; disability accommodation requests; and other personnel decisions and critical concerns for companies, organizations, public entities, and educational institutions.

Before joining Epstein Becker Green, Chris was a partner at a California-based law firm, focusing on labor and employment law and business litigation matters. While attending law school, he served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Kim McLane Wardlaw, a Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and an extern for the Screen Actors Guild and New Line Cinema.

Chris has been a speaker at and served as a panelist for multiple talks on employment and general litigation topics.

Outside his law practice, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and two dogs. He is an avid reader and a fan of theatre, opera, fitness, and traveling.

I. Tactical insights for pre-trial jury research | 2:00pm – 2:20pm

• Understanding the importance of pre-trial research
• Techniques for gathering information on potential jurors
• Analyzing community attitudes and values to inform strategy

II. Jury selection: The art of asking the right questions | 2:20pm – 2:40pm

• Crafting effective voir dire questions
• Identifying and addressing biases during selection
• Strategic use of strikes to shape the jury composition

III. Opening statement: The power of word selection | 2:40pm – 3:00pm

• The impact of language on juror perception
• Identifying words and phrases that resonate emotionally
• Preparing jurors for the presentation of evidence

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

IV. Presentation of evidence: Examinations and exhibits | 3:10pm – 3:30pm

• Effective direct and cross-examinations of witnesses
• Introducing and using exhibits throughout trial
• Continuing the narrative through witness and exhibits

V. Integrating technology into trial strategies | 3:30pm – 3:50pm

• Best practices for using visual aids and digital presentations
• Enhancing juror engagement through technology
• Case studies on successful technology integration in trials

VI. Delivering compelling closing arguments | 3:50pm – 4:10pm

• Techniques for impactful delivery and persuasion
• Structuring closing arguments to reinforce key themes
• Strategies to empower jurors in their decision-making process