About ThemeVision

Our team of social scientists, lawyers, and legal communication strategists design and develop case-specific jury research and provide other litigation consulting services using innovative approaches grounded in well-established scientific methods. 

Our approach draws on our experience working with the nation’s top litigators and trial attorneys in complex cases around the country. We know juries. We know trials. Our diverse perspectives and multi-faceted take on trial strategy help you tell the jury your most persuasive story.

Trisha Volpe, JD

President

About Trisha

Trisha Volpe leads ThemeVision’s team of psychologists, data scientists, legal communication strategists and graphic artists to help clients achieve their business objectives through strategic litigation consulting. Trisha is a national trial strategist who navigates clients through the jury-decision making process, focusing on data-driven jury research and strategic trial communication in high stakes litigation and other adversarial settings.

Trisha has trial experience in jurisdictions around the country and has turned that into a unique perspective on jury decision-making and its impact on trial strategy. Her client base is diverse, ranging from international corporations to law firms and her consulting work spans all types of civil and criminal cases.

A lawyer and Emmy award-winning former journalist, Trisha is committed to helping put complex issues into perspective for lay juries hearing her client’s case for the first time and working with trial teams to craft compelling case themes and trial narratives. Her strategies are based on an approach that combines science and statistical analysis with hands-on trial experience and the ability to appreciate diverse juror perspectives. Trisha leads focus groups and mock trials to dig into how juries make decisions and uses those insights to develop trial themes and strategies for voir dire, including identifying potentially risky jurors and how to best use strikes.

Trisha also works closely with witnesses as they prepare to testify and has developed an innovative communication-based training program. As part of her consulting work, Trisha also works with clients on crisis communications, issues management and client reputational issues related to litigation and other legal issues. She also uses her experience in visual communication to develop trial demonstratives that explain complex issues in an understandable way.

Before launching her legal and litigation consulting career, Trisha spent more than a decade as a broadcast journalist. She was an investigative reporter who loved to unearth and tell compelling stories. Today, that same journalistic tenacity and skilled storytelling informs her comprehensive approach to litigation consulting strategy. Trisha is also a litigation partner in the Minneapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. ThemeVision is affiliated with Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Trisha regularly presents for national audiences and is a frequent writer, presenter, and CLE instructor on topics such as jury selection, legal storytelling and issues where media, the law, and strategic communications intersect. Trisha helped launch ThemeVision’s LinkedIn-based thought leadership initiative ThemeVision Focus, and has produced numerous videos and written articles on jury decision-making, trial storytelling and purposeful communications.

Trisha earned her Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated summa cum laude. She enjoys teaching and coaching other lawyers and business executives on communicating with confidence.

Hillary C. Abraham, MS

Data Strategist & Litigation Consultant

About Hillary

Hillary Abraham is a national trial strategist and seasoned research analyst. She crafts craft authentic trial messaging designed to turn jurors into advocates for her clients during deliberations.

Hillary draws on her multidisciplinary background and decade of research experience in academic and industry settings and hands-on trial experience to design and execute methodologically sound research studies tailored to her clients’ specific needs. She specializes in integrating findings from statistical data and rigorous analysis of mock juror discussions data to generate a holistic understanding of how juries perceive case strengths and vulnerabilities and how they make decisions based on those perceptions. Her mixed-methods approach to research and analysis develops well-rounded, persuasive themes to emphasize at trial and provides actionable insights to bring to voir dire, jury selection, and strike strategy.

Hillary thrives in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. She can accurately track and quickly assess new information to provide in-the-moment insights and recommendations to her clients in research and at jury selection, making her equally adept at de-selecting juries in small state courts as in high-stakes federal cases involving hundreds of potential jurors in the venire. Her approach to jury selection delves beyond demographics and stereotypes and into individual attitudes and life experiences, generating insightful recommendations for strike strategy.

Prior to joining ThemeVision, Hillary was a research specialist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). There, she led small and large-scale research projects on behalf of critical stakeholders from the automotive, technology and insurance industries to explore driver acceptance and understanding of semi-automated and “self-driving” vehicles. Her work was highly publicized in both academic periodicals and popular media. Hillary received her B.A in Anthropology from the University of Michigan and her M.S. in Informatics from the University of California, Irvine.

David C. Bartholomew

Visual Storytelling Strategist & Litigation Consultant

About David

With a career spanning over two decades, David Bartholomew is a seasoned graphic artist and litigation consultant, highly regarded for his ability to translate complex legal concepts into impactful visuals that tell your case story. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University, David combines his analytical skills, creativity, and extensive design experience to craft compelling graphics and presentations.

As a Graphic Artist and Litigation Consultant at ThemeVision, David collaborates with clients to develop visuals that communicate evidence and case facts effectively. His work extends from static exhibit boards to interactive electronic presentations, and includes video editing and animations. David’s unique approach involves a blend of software knowledge and expertise, critical thinking, analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of design fundamentals. David’s work, benefits from being trial tested and often is refined through focus groups, mock trials, and jury research.

With a focus on clear and persuasive communication to tell your case story, David consults directly with lawyers, subject matter experts, and legal professionals. He provides visual presentation strategies for trials and proceedings, leveraging his proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite. David’s proficiency extends to video editing, animation, interactive production, databases and web design.

In addition to his design work, David has extensive experience presenting trial and case materials to judges, arbiters and juries. His experience includes trial presentation packages like OnCue and Trial Director, David is an experienced and certified hot seat operator, with experience in several states, courts and venues. As a hot-seater, David can help your trial team put forward the most organized, efficient and effective presentation possible.

Before his tenure at ThemeVision, David showcased his graphics skills as the Senior Graphic Artist at The Indianapolis Star, where he managed the work of a design team. His design experience includes roles as an Illustrator/New Media Designer at Cenveo/Graphic Arts Center and a Graphic Arts Manager at Topics Newspapers.

In summary, from hot-seating exhibit presentations in trials to visualizing data using Tableau or Excel, David’s expertise spans various aspects of graphic arts and legal support.

David Bartholomew is not just a graphic artist; he is a strategic thinker, a software expert, a visual storyteller, and a valuable asset to any legal team seeking to enhance their advocacy through compelling visuals and effective communication.

Courtney Tharp, CRP

Research & Project Coordinator

About courtney

Courtney Tharp works closely with clients and the research team to design, plan, coordinate, and seamlessly execute jury research projects ranging from surveys to full mock trials. 

Courtney’s interests and strengths lie at the unique intersection of law and psychology. She received her Paralegal Certificate from IUPUI and, as a CORE Registered Paralegal with the National Federal of Paralegal Associations, Courtney brings great knowledge about managing the complex processes of trial preparation and jury selection. As a research strategist, Courtney’s work extends to qualitative research and moderating mock trial jury interviews.

Courtney received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University – Indianapolis with a focus on both civil and criminal applications of research methods. She has authored articles for professional paralegal publications at both the state and national levels.

Before joining ThemeVision, Courtney served as a legal administrative assistant for a Fortune 500 in-house legal department, where she managed multiple process-improvement projects while supporting a full team of attorneys in various fields.

When not taking advantage of continuing education or reading, Courtney enjoys painting, ceramics, and spending quality time with her family.

Alyssa C. Hughes, JD

Consultant

About Alyssa

Aly Hughes works with ThemeVision’s team to guide clients in strategic decisions at all stages of litigation. As a lawyer and a litigator, she is uniquely positioned to understand the nuances and challenges clients face. As a consultant, she’s able to approach complex situations from a higher level with a fresh set of eyes, allowing for creative problem-solving. She has experience assisting with focus groups and mock juries, as well as demographic research on relevant jury pools.

Aly focuses on finding the most compelling and concise manner in which to present information to the relevant audience, whether it is a jury, a board of directors, or readers of a publication. Aly encourages clients to get to the bottom line: what matters most, and how to convey it.

In her legal practice, Aly works with a wide range of clients across industries in both civil and criminal matters. She is an associate in Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Indianapolis office. ThemeVision is affiliated with Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Clients value Aly for her honest and down-to-earth communication style accompanied by a healthy sense of humor. Aly earned her Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the University of Arizona and her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

Amy E. Tryon, JD

consultant

About Amy

Amy Tryon assists ThemeVision’s team with focus groups, mock juries, jury pool demographic research, and jury selection. She thrives on collaborating closely with clients, working to ensure they are fully prepared and equipped to achieve their objectives. Amy’s passion lies in unraveling the intricacies of juror behavior and understanding how demographic factors and regional nuances can shape juror perceptions. Her insights allow us to develop smart trial strategies informed by comprehensive research.

In additional to her consulting work with ThemeVision, Amy is an associate and litigator in the Delaware office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she tackles a diverse range of legal matters including mass torts, commercial disputes, and compliance monitorships. ThemeVision is affiliated with Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Her career has also included stints as a law firm paralegal and as a drug court manager for the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas, as well as valuable externships with the Office of General Counsel for the District of Columbia Public Schools and the National Center for Youth Law. Amy’s extensive professional background has equipped her with a broad perspective to assist clients in shaping their strategic vision, regardless of the complexity or subject matter of their case.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with minors in business and psychology from Tulane University. She earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law.

Dennis P. Stolle, JD, PhD

President Emeritus

About Dennis

National trial strategist and psychologist Dr. Dennis P. Stolle is a founder of ThemeVision LLC. He served as ThemeVision’s president from the firm’s inception until December 2021. In 2021, Dennis retired from his full-time consulting practice to pursue other opportunities in the field of psychology. He continues to provide advice and guidance to the firm in his role as President Emeritus.

Dennis studied the jury decision-making process and the psychology of trial strategy for more than two decades and has personally interviewed more than 4,000 mock jurors. His clients have included large companies and law firms, where he focused on communicating to lay juries the complex, big-picture issues in high-stakes litigation, such as MDLs, class actions, IP disputes and mass torts. Dennis has led jury selections throughout the country. He has also conducted focus groups, mock trials and other empirical jury research in venues throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. Dennis has been highly sought after to work with witnesses to prepare for key depositions and trial testimony.

Dennis is also a prolific publisher and speaker on topics of legal psychology and jury decision-making. The Courts of Appeals in the Third Circuit and Ninth Circuit have relied upon his academic writings in published opinions. He is also a co-editor of a book on legal psychology, published by Carolina Academic Press and entitled, Practicing Therapeutic Jurisprudence: Law as a Helping Profession.
ThemeVision is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, an AMLAW 100 firm. We bring our trial savvy to other law firms, working with litigators and trial attorneys all over the country.

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