Using Focus Groups to Shape Trial Strategy | Attorney Michael Karp | S6 Ep. 5

In this episode of Best Practices, Kenny Berger is joined by Wisconsin trial lawyer Michael Karp to discuss how focus groups are shaping the way he builds and tries cases.

Michael shares how he went shifted his practice to a focused trial model built around understanding juror perspective. He breaks down how running focus groups early and often helps identify risk, refine case framing, and ultimately control the arguments that matter most at trial. The conversation also explores trial presentation, the importance of community, and how to build a sustainable practice without losing sight of what matters outside the courtroom.

This episode offers a practical look at how to think like a juror and why that shift can change everything.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Running focus groups early to evaluate and shape cases
• Identifying how you lose before deciding how to win
• Using juror feedback to refine case framing and strategy
• Structuring a practice around trial work instead of volume
• Turning trial presentation into a conversation, not a performance
• Building a sustainable practice while staying connected to family and purpose