Senior Consultant
Matt draws upon his Clinical Psychology background to understand human motivation and help litigators and witnesses communicate effectively with jurors.
Clifton Strengths
Individualization
Strategic
Ideation
Futuristic
Relator
The field was in its infancy when I became a trial consultant. In 1990, when I joined the field full-time, our professional association had only been in existence for eight years. My original doctoral dissertation proposal was for a jury research study. I did my clinical psychology internship at a VA facility in which the Head of Psychology and the Director of Training both had private forensic consulting practices. They introduced me to a prior intern who shared my forensic psychology interests but had chosen a path in trial consulting. She and I began working together and the rest, as they say, is history.
I continue to work in the field because I have the opportunity to work on interesting cases with some of the best consultants and litigators in the business.
I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology. My focus has been on understanding human motivation and helping litigators and witnesses communicate effectively with jurors. I went to grad school in Ohio, interned and started my trial consulting career in California, then moved to and opened offices in Texas, Florida, DC and Virginia.
Many people like to think of themselves as being driven by logic and facts. However, we are hardwired to understand the world through stories. The party with the most facts or largest stack of evidence is not always the one that wins. The winning side is typically the one that incorporates the evidence into the most coherent and well-told story.
Photography, visual arts, learning new things and enjoying an artfully crafted and well-delivered story.
Jurors want to know what a case is about, rather than what it is not about. Don’t spend time telling them or using sarcasm to communicate what it’s not about. Rather, tell jurors affirmatively what the case is about. Help them understand the complexities of the evidence and the motivations of the central parties.
Brainstorming with clients about how to convey complex or technical information and weave it into a cohesive story in a way that will resonate with jurors. Helping top corporate executives and expert witnesses communicate effectively at deposition and trial.
Milano, M.J., Matlon, R., Bonora, B. Island, D., and McEvoy, P. (June, 2008). Senior Trial Consultants at Work Case Demonstration – Case Strategy and Trial Themes. American Society of Trial Consultants, Chicago, IL.
Milano, M.J., Matlon, R., Bonora, B., Island, D. and McEvoy, P. (June, 2008). Senior Trial Consultants at Work Case Demonstration – Jury Selection and Opening Statement. American Society of Trial Consultants, Chicago, IL.
Milano, M.J., Matlon, R., Bonora, B. Island, D. and McEvoy, P. (June, 2008). Senior Trial Consultants at Work Case Demonstration – Witness Preparation. American Society of Trial Consultants, Chicago, IL.
Milano, M.J. (2007, May). Mock Trial and Case Evaluation. Travelers Claims University, Windsor, CT.
Milano, M.J. (2006, June). Developing Trial Themes, Preparing for Mediation/Settlement and What to Do If Your Case Proceeds to Trial. Travelers Claims University, Windsor, CT.
Milano, M.J. & Cohen, D.A. (2003, January). Persuading Judges and Juries in Governmental Liability Cases. Defense Research Institute (DRI) Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar, New Orleans, LA.
Milano, M.J. (2002, October). Shaping Opinions: Mold in the Jury Box? Mealey’s Mold Litigation Conference, West Palm Beach, FL.
Milano, M.J., et al. (2002, April). Trying United States v. Microsoft to a Jury. American Bar Association, Antitrust Litigation Section Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Milano, M.J., Cohen, D.A., Thavis, R.A., Dickey, T.S., Hannaford, J.K., Leuin, A.B., Rizzo, J.G., Schutte, S.T., & Walker, S.M. (March, 2002). Insurance and Technology – Trial Practice Session. American Bar Association, Insurance Coverage Litigation Section, Tucson, AZ.
Milano, M.J., Cohen, D.A. & Adler, M. (2002, January). Integrating Trial Consulting, Graphics & Technology into a Litigation Practice. Nova Southeastern University – Shepard BroadLaw Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Milano, M.J. (2002, January). Emerging Attitudes Regarding Mold and Sick-Building Litigation, Mealey’s Litigation Report: Mold.
Milano, M.J. (2002, January). Jury Issues in Nursing Home Litigation. Mealey’s Nursing Home Litigation Conference, Marina del Rey, CA.
Milano, M.J. & Fitzgerald, R. (2001, May). Case Evaluation. The Harmonie Group Conference, New York, NY.
Milano, M.J., Geary, J. & Doolittle, P. (2001, January). Practical Insights Into Jury Selection. Mealey’s Nursing Home Litigation Conference, Naples, FL.
Milano, M.J., Ranieri, W. & McCrensky, J. (2000, June). The Business of Running Your Business: Practical Tips. American Society of Trial Consultants, St. Louis, MO.
Milano, M.J. (2000, March). Assessing Litigation Risks and Reducing Uncertainties for Your Clients – Using Jury Research to Evaluate Cases: Lessons Learned About Assessing Case Value; Developing, Testing and Presenting Winning Trial Themes. CLE International Masters of Trial: Winning the Mega Verdict, Las Vegas, NV.
Milano, M.J. (2000, January). Assessing Litigation Risks and Reducing Uncertainties: Using Jury Research to Evaluate Cases. Paper prepared for CLE International for the Masters of Trial Conference.
Graeven, D.B. & Milano, M.J. (1999, August). Find Out What Works With A Jury: Developing and Testing Case Themes. The Defense Research Institute, New York, NY.
Neece, J.A. & Milano, M.J. (1999, August). Witness Preparation: Strategies and Techniques. Jackson & Walker, Dallas, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1999, July). Effective Trial Themes. Vial, Hamilton, Kock & Knox, Dallas, TX.
Milano, M.J., Feldman, S., Lisko, K.O., Rothschild, J. & Zagnoli, T. (1999, June). Witness Preparation: Practical and Ethical Issues. American Society of Trial Consultants, San Diego, CA.
Milano, M.J. & Branthoover, C.M. (1999, May). Influencing a Jury. The Insurance Coverage Litigation Workshop of the Second National Conference for Women Insurance Professionals, Chicago, IL.
Milano, M.J. (1999). Integrating Trial Consulting Into Mass Tort Litigation. In G.M. Kryder (ed.), American Bar Association Section of Litigation: 1999 Annual Meeting Course Materials (pp. 519-524). The American Bar Association, Washington, D.C.
Milano, M.J. (1999, April). Products Liability: Real Mass Tort Litigation. American Bar Association Litigation Section Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1999). Evaluating Damages & Liability: Jury Selection. In S.A. Karamanis (ed.), Damages: Defense Practice Seminar Course Book (pp. 51-60). The Defense Research Institute, Inc., Chicago, IL.
Milano, M.J. & Graeven, D.B. (1999, March). Damages: The Trial Consultant. The Defense Research Institute, Las Vegas, NV.
Milano, M.J. (1999, February). Jury Issues in Employment Discrimination Litigation. National Lawyers Association, Phoenix, AZ.
Milano, M.J. & Neece, J.A. (1999, January). Jury Selection. The Inn of Court, Waco, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1998, November). People, Politics & Persuasion: What Do Jury Consultants Really Do? The Society of American Military Engineers Conference, Fort Worth, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1998, October). Jury Selection. National Lawyers Association Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
Milano, M.J. (1998, August). Trial Themes & Juror Attitudes. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Kelly, Hart & Hallman, Fort Worth, TX.
Milano, M.J. & Graeven, D.B. (1997, May). What Jurors Bring to Trial: Assessing Juror Attitudes in Trucking Litigation. Panel Presentation at the Transportation Mega- Conference III, New Orleans, LA.
Milano, M.J. (1996, September 16). The Effective Use of Juror Questionnaires. Texas Lawyer, pages 26, 32.
Milano, M.J. (1996, May). Witness Preparation: Strategy and Techniques. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Brown, McCarroll & Oaks Heartline, Dallas, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1996, May). Developing and Delivering Effective Trial Themes. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Cantey & Hanger, Fort Worth, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1996, April). Witness Preparation: Strategy and Techniques. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox, Dallas, TX.
Milano, M.J. (1996, February). Developing and Delivering Effective Trial Themes. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Brown, McCarroll & Oaks Heartline, Dallas, TX.
Graeven, D.B., Milano, M.J., Rushing, C. & Sweeney, J.P. (1995, May). Jury Experts – Shadow Juries, Jury Questionnaires, Voir Dire and More. Annual Meeting of the American Inns of Court, San Francisco, CA.
Graeven, D.B. & Milano, M.J. (1995, April). Trial Preparation: Attitudes, Analogies & Metaphors. Pillsbury, Maddison and Sutro, San Francisco, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1994, October). The Impact of J.E.B. v. Alabama on Jury Selection. Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Folger & Levin, San Francisco, CA.
Milano, M.J., Lisko, K.O., McEvoy, P.J. & Rowland, P. (1994, May). Tactics and Techniques From Top Trial Consultants: The Case. Oregon State Bar Association, Portland, OR.
Milano, M.J., Lilley, L.S., Bonora, B., Karton, J. & Monson, A.D. (1994, May). Tactics and Techniques From Top Trial Consultants: The Jury. Oregon State Bar Association, Portland, OR.
Milano, M.J., Grant, B., Tsongas, J.E., Campo, A.J. & Francisco, R.P. (1994, May). Cross Cultural Influences in the Courtroom: How the Global Community Can Affect Jury Trials. American Society of Trial Consultants Annual Meeting, Portland, OR.
Milano, M.J. (1994, February). Litigation Management: Using Mock Trials to Evaluate Cases. Budget Rent-A-Car, Lisle, IL.
Graeven, D.B. & Milano, M.J. (1994, January). Jury Selection: Strategies and Tactics. Pillsbury, Maddison and Sutro, San Francisco, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1993). Keeping Corporate Clients Through Effective Early Case Evaluation. Inside Litigation, 7 (12), Prentice Hall Law & Business (Pub.).
Milano, M.J. (1993, June). Jury Selection and the Group Dynamics of Jury Deliberation. Yolo County Bar Association, Davis, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1993, June). Litigation Research: Tools and Applications. Bledsoe, Cathcart, Leahy & Diestel, San Francisco, CA.
Milano, M.J., Jones, S.E. & Rice, J.A. (1993, June). How to Persuade the Jury: Psychology and Advocacy. Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1993, April). Jury Deliberations: A View Into the Deliberation Process. Bay Area Adjusters Association, Pleasant Hill, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1993, February). Litigation Workshop – The Ins and Outs of the Jury Process. Public Risk Management Association, Phoenix, AZ.
Milano, M.J. (1993, February). Developing and Delivering Wining Trial Strategies Through Mock Trials and Phantom Juries. Stanislaus County Bar Association, Modesto, CA.
Milano, M.J., Jones, S.J. & Rice, J.A. (1993, February). How to Become a Jury and Trial Consultant. Workshop presented at Jury Research Institute, Walnut Creek, CA.
Iannotti, R.J., Cummings, E.M., Pierrehumbert, B., Milano, M.J. & Zahn-Waxler, C. (1992). Parental Influences on Prosocial Behavior and Empathy in Early Childhood. In J. Janssens & J. Gerris (Eds.), Child Rearing: Influences on Prosocial and Moral Development (pp. 77 100). Lisse, The Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger.
Milano, M.J. (1992, April). Litigation in the 21st Century. Contra Costa County Legal Secretaries Association Officers Ceremonial Banquet, Martinez, CA.
Milano, M.J. (1991, August). Enhancing Litigation Effectiveness. Stanislaus County Bar Association, Modesto, CA.
Lynn, S. J., Milano, M.J. & Weekes, J.R. Hypnosis and pseudomemories: The effects of prehypnotic expectancies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 60(2), Feb. 1991, 318-326.
Milano, M.J. & Allen, S.N. (1990, May). Anger Management Training with Chemically Dependent Persons. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinez, CA and the University of California, San Francisco, Division of Continuing Education, School of Pharmacy; Concord, CA.
Brentar, J.T., Lynn, S.J., Carlson, B., Milano, M.J. & Weekes, J.R. (1989, August). Negative Hypnotic After Effects?: The Posthypnotic Questionnaire. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.
Iannotti, R.J., Pierrehumbert, B. & Milano, M.J. (1989, April). Parental Influences on Prosocial Behavior and Empathy in Early Childhood. Paper presented at the meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Kansas City, KS.
Lynn, S.J., Weekes, J.R., Milano, M.J., Brentar, J.T. & Green, J. (1989). Trance Logic and Age Regression: The Effects of Context and Absorption.
Lynn, S.J., Weekes, J.R. & Milano, M.J. (1989). Reality Versus Suggestion: Pseudomemory in Hypnotizable and Simulating Subjects. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 98(2), 137-144.
McNamara, J.R., Delamater, R., Sennhauser, S. & Milano, M.J. (1988). Social Effect of the Naturalistic Display of Assertiveness in a Social Conflict Situation. Psychological Reports, 62, 99-103.
Jaquith, L.R., Lynn, S.J., Brentar, J.T., Milano, M.J. & Weekes, J.R. (1988, August). A Multicultural Study of Hypnosis and Imagination. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.
Milano, M.J., Lynn, S.J., Brentar, J.T. & Brandon, M. (1988, August). The Effect of Prehypnotic Expectancies on the Creation of Pseudomemories. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.
Lynn, S.J., Weekes, J.R. & Milano, M.J. (1987, October). Reality Versus Suggestion in Hypnosis: Real Versus Simulator Differences. Paper presented at the meeting of the society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Los Angeles, CA.
Weekes, J.R., Milano, M.J., Brentar, J.T., Brandon, M. & Lynn, S.J. (1987, August). Trance Logic and Age Regression: Effects of Suggestion Context and Absorption. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, New York, NY.
McNamara, J.R., Delamater, R., Sennhauser, S. & Milano, M.J. (1987, May). The Naturalistic Display of Assertiveness in a Social Conflict Situation: Its Social Impact. Paper presented at the meeting of the Association of Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Iannotti, R.J., Zahn-Waxler, C., Cummings, E.M. & Milano, M.J. (1987, April). The Development of Empathy and Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Washington, D.C.