Nick Polavin, PhD

As a Jury Consultant with IMS Consulting & Expert Services, Dr. Nick Polavin assists our clients with a variety of jury research services including focus group facilitation, research design development, analyzing data to create juror profiles, and in-court jury selection assistance. He enjoys applying psychology to a legal setting and helping craft persuasive stories for a variety of case types.

Nick specializes in jury selection.  In fact, in just the last three years, he has lead/assisted in over 40 jury selections, including not only coding/grading juror questionnaires and evaluating jurors’ online footprint, but also assisting with voir dire development and recommendations for cause/preemptory strikes. When he is not assisting counsel in jury selection, he focuses on a variety of jury research services including focus group facilitation, research design development, statistical analysis, internet social searches, and supplemental juror questionnaire development.

Nick brings a strong research background to his role at IMS. His work focuses on jurors’ information processing styles, their biases, and how they determine damages. He has conducted research on a number of additional topics, including group dynamics, decision making, persuasion, and media effects. Prior to his career as a jury consultant, Nick taught classes on persuasion, public communication campaigns, and media and terrorism.  

Nick received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan, going on to obtain a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in communication with concentrations in decision psychology and social psychology from The Ohio State University.  

Prior to graduate school, Nick worked for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and several political campaigns. He currently serves on the Professional Education Committee for the American Society of Trial Consultants. Nick resides in Columbus, OH and enjoys hiking, sports, and being outdoors.

Notable publications and presentations:

• Pounds, K. & Polavin, N. (2021). Best Practices in Defending Law Enforcement Cases. State of Idaho Risk Management Program. May 19, 2021.
• Polavin, N. (2021). COVID’s Impact on Jury Trials. Massachusetts Bar Association. May 10, 2021.
• Polavin, N., Cook, K., Pitera, M.J., & Turnage, R. (2021). Jury-Tested Solutions to Common Defense Vulnerabilities. Presentation to the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers. April 2, 2021.
• Polavin, N. & Pitera, M.J. (2021). What Causes Nuclear Verdicts? USLAW Magazine (Spring), 38-39.
• Polavin, N. (2020). How to Improve Negotiations, Part 3: Communication Factors & Barriers. Insights.
• Polavin, N. (2020). How to Improve Negotiations, Part 2: Psychological Tools. Insights.
• Polavin, N. (2020). How to Improve Negotiations, Part 1: Planning & Strategy. Insights.
• Polavin, N. (2020). How to Preserve Your Best Jurors and Remove Those Biased Against Your Case Through Research-Based Techniques for Maximizing Cause Challenges. LawPracticeCLE: The Law in Review.
• Polavin, N. (2020). Do Jurors Decide After Opening Statements? USLAW Magazine (Summer), 28-29.
• Marinakis, C.M. & Polavin, N. (2020). Defending the Reptile. Litigation Insights Complimentary Webinar Series.
• Polavin, N. (2020). Using Strategy, Psychology, and Communication to Improve Negotiations. Litigation Insights Complimentary Webinar Series.
• Polavin, N. (2019).  Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory in Jury Decision Making.  Judgment Psychology Colloquium at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.