Over the past 20 years The Portia Group Ltd. Has conducted focus groups, mock trials, and juror interviews with thousands of jurors and juror research participants all over the country. The Portia Group Ltd. is led by two principals, Mary E. Ryan and Brian E. Leroy. They have a combined background in persuasive and nonverbal communication, ancient rhetoric, law, trial consulting, economics, law firm management, psychology, performance arts, and behavior change.
Mary and Brian have been working with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy in both In-House and Public Programs for over 10 years.
*Mary and Brian were awarded the 2008 Hon. Prentice H. Marshal Award for Innovative Teaching Methods Using Focus Groups by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.
Mary E. Ryan has a background in nonverbal communication and a Master’s degree in ancient rhetoric and persuasion theory, along with over 20 years of experience as a trial consultant and jury researcher. She has conducted jury research all over the country on cases ranging from pharmaceuticals, medical negligence, auto crash, commercial disputes, and toxic torts to patent infringement, contract claims, construction defect, and personal injury. She consults with counsel and experts in trial preparation and assistance at trial with jury selection and case presentation.
Brian E. Leroy, Q.C. is a trial consultant and barrister who has been awarded a Queen’s Counsel for his professionalism and trial excellence in his native Canada. In addition to his 25+ year career as a trial lawyer, he has worked for over 10 years in the US as a trial consultant, conducting jury research on cases ranging from pharmaceuticals to commercial disputes and toxic torts to patent infringement. Along with Mary Ryan he has conducted research on 1000’s of focus groups and mock trial participants, as well as assisted counsel in trial preparation and assistance at trial.
NITA’s team of practicing lawyers, professors and judges from around the nation dedicates its efforts to the training and development of skilled and ethical legal advocates to improve the adversarial justice system. 
