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Shelley Spiecker

Shelley C. Spiecker, Ph.D.

Senior Litigation Consultant
303.295.8164
sspiecker@persuasionstrategies.com Download PDF LinkedIn

When clients, including international Fortune 50 companies, face high-stakes litigation or significant obstacles to persuasion, they turn to Dr. Shelley Spiecker for experienced and informed support.

Shelley is an enthusiastic advocate for her clients. She has earned the trust of attorneys across the country for her unique insights into difficult communication situations, designing research to impact perceptions of judges and jurors. Attorneys appreciate the tailored strategy recommendations she provides following each research cycle. Dr. Spiecker has extensive experience in the design and analysis of mock jury trial and focus group research as well as mock bench trials and mock arbitrations.

Shelley provides an informed outsider’s perspective and possesses an uncommon ability to prepare witnesses from all backgrounds for deposition or testimony. Dr. Spiecker is nationally recognized for her work helping to prepare witnesses for depositions and trial. Her unique combination of education in legal communication and experience in the field give her unparalleled insights into case and trial presentation strategies. Shelley advises on the best medium and method for your courtroom communications based on her 30 years’ experience researching jurors across the country.

Representative Experience

Exceptional Support Throughout
  • Case Strategy
  • Witness Preparation
  • Jury Selection
  • Mock Arbitrations
  • Mock Hearings
  • Mock Jury Research
Tailored Guidance Regarding
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Oil and Gas
  • Medical Negligence/Malpractice
  • Construction
  • Product Liability
  • Personal Injury

Education

University of Kansas, Ph.D., Communication Studies, 1998
Emphasis on legal communication and qualitative and quantitative research methods

University of Kansas, M.A., Communication Studies, 1995
Emphasis on legal communications and social influence

University of Kansas, B.A., Communication Studies, 1993
Graduated with honors

Memberships And Affiliations

  • American Society of Trial Consultants (ASTC), Board Member
  • American Association of Public Opinion Research, Member
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Psychological Association, Member
  • Institute for Energy Law, Member
  • National Communication Association, Communication and Law Commission Member

Selected Publications

"From Courtroom to Zoom Room: Online Persuasion", Persuasion Strategies Alert, (April, 2020), Ken Broda-Bahm, Shelley C. Spiecker

Selected Presentations

"Litigation Trends in the Energy Industry: What You Need to Know", Liskow & Lewis Energy Seminar, (November, 2024), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Witness Preparation and Jury Selection Best Practices", Hassard Bonnington, (June, 2024), Shelley C. Spiecker
"The Great Debate: Litigation or Arbitration from the In-House Perspective", ABA Forum on Construction Law, (April, 2024), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Louisiana Litigation Trends", Professional Landmen's Association of New Orleans (PLANO), (April, 2024), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Enhancing Your Communication Skills", National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Women in Trial, (September, 2023), Shelley C. Spiecker
"NITA Women in Trial Faculty Member", National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), (September, 2023), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Strategies for Mitigating the Impact of Implicit Bias in Today's Juries", American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), (August, 2023), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Dismissed with Prejudice: A Discussion on Race and the Trial of Civil Cases™ - Handling Potential Jury Selection Bias Issues Now and Under CCP 231.7 ", American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) San Francisco Chapter, (August, 2023), Shelley C. Spiecker, Hon. Teri L. Jackson, Komal Choski, and David Depolo
"Jury Psychology in a COVID World: Implications for the Energy Industry", Institute for Energy Law Annual Conference, (November, 2020), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Effective Communication Across Differences in the Age of Polarization and "Fake News"", 2020 DRI Conference, (October, 2020), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Malpractice Lawsuits and the Pandemic: What Do We Know So Far?", The Doctor's Company NER Presentation, (August, 2020), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Psychology of Blockbuster Verdicts", DRI Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Committee, (February, 2020), Shelley C. Spiecker
"MeToo Movement 3.0", Mile High SHRM, (January, 2020), Shelley C. Spiecker, Steve Gutierrez
"Perspectives on Trying Energy Cases in 2019 and Beyond: Opinions from a Former Judge, a Trial Lawyer, and Jury/Trial Consultant", Institute for Energy Law 18th Annual Conference, (November, 2019), Shelley C. Spiecker
"Making the Most of Your Communication Opportunities", Presentation to Holland & Hart Women's Forum, (April, 2019), Shelley C. Spiecker