Prepping for Jury Duty: Lessons from the Other Side of the Courtroom

As a trial attorney, I’ve spent most of my career standing in front of juries—selecting them, speaking to them, and watching them deliberate. But recently, I found myself in an entirely new position: sitting among potential jurors.

Getting called for jury duty is something many people approach with mixed emotions. For some, it’s a disruption in their schedule; for others, it’s an intriguing opportunity to see the legal system up close. For me, it was a little of both. After years of working inside the courtroom, being called as a citizen gave me a renewed appreciation for how the process works and for the people who make it possible.

In this post, I want to share my experience and offer some practical tips to help anyone preparing for jury duty make the most of the day. Whether you’re selected to serve or not, a little preparation can make your time at the courthouse smoother, more comfortable, and a lot less stressful.

Understanding the Jury Duty Experience

The Civic Role of Jury Duty

Jury duty is one of the few opportunities we have as citizens to directly participate in the judicial system. While most people think of it as an inconvenience, the truth is that jury service is fundamental to our democracy. Every trial—whether civil or criminal—depends on the presence of impartial citizens willing to listen carefully and render fair decisions.

From the perspective of a trial attorney, jurors play the most critical role in the courtroom. They are the finders of fact, the ultimate decision-makers, and often the moral compass of a case. But when you’re sitting on the other side of the table, you realize just how much patience, focus, and time that responsibility requires.

A Day in the Life of a Juror

When I arrived for jury duty, I was reminded of something I’d often told clients and colleagues: the court operates on its own schedule. There’s a lot of waiting involved. From check-in to voir dire (the jury selection process), there are long stretches where you’re simply sitting, observing, and waiting to be called.

The experience made me appreciate the discipline jurors must have during a trial. They’re expected to stay attentive, respect courtroom decorum, and make thoughtful decisions—all while navigating an environment that’s formal, quiet, and often unfamiliar.

That’s why preparation matters. If you know what to expect, you can approach jury duty with patience and perspective rather than frustration.

Practical Tips for Preparing for Jury Duty

Dress in Layers

Courtrooms are unpredictable when it comes to temperature. Some are cool enough to feel like refrigerators; others can get warm quickly. The best approach is to dress in layers—a light jacket, sweater, or blazer that can easily be taken off or put on as needed.

You’ll also want to prioritize comfort while maintaining professionalism. Remember that while you’re not on trial, you are in a formal setting. Dress respectfully, as though you’re attending an important meeting.

Bring Water and Snacks

Courthouse cafeterias vary widely, and some don’t offer much beyond coffee and vending machines. It’s wise to bring your own water bottle and small, non-disruptive snacks. Granola bars, fruit, or nuts can help keep your energy steady through long waits and breaks.

Staying hydrated also helps maintain alertness. Jury duty requires focus, especially during voir dire or testimony. Something as simple as water can help you stay sharp.

Pack a Book or Some Work

One of the biggest surprises for many first-time jurors is how much downtime there is. Between orientation, waiting for your group to be called, and the selection process itself, there can be hours of sitting quietly in a waiting area.

Bring something to keep your mind engaged—whether it’s a good book, paperwork, or even a podcast with headphones. The key is to have something productive to fill the gaps without distracting others.

Don’t Forget a Phone Charger

While phone use is restricted inside courtrooms, there’s usually time to use your phone while waiting in designated areas. But those long hours can drain your battery quickly. Bring a portable charger or charging cable so you don’t find yourself with a dead phone when you need it most—especially if you’re coordinating transportation or childcare.

Plan for a Full Day

Even if you’re not selected to sit on a jury, the process itself can take most of the day. Plan accordingly. Let your employer know ahead of time, arrange for any personal responsibilities to be covered, and approach the day with flexibility.

The mindset you bring to jury duty can make all the difference. Treat it as an opportunity to learn, observe, and contribute to something larger than yourself.

What I Learned from the Other Side

Seeing the System Through New Eyes

As a trial attorney, I’ve always respected jurors. But sitting among them gave me a much deeper appreciation for what they experience. The waiting, the uncertainty, the effort it takes to remain engaged—it’s a reminder that every verdict we receive is the product of ordinary citizens taking their role seriously.

From the juror’s seat, the courtroom feels different. You notice the rhythm of proceedings, the formality of communication, and the care with which judges and attorneys navigate each moment. It’s humbling, in the best sense of the word.

Patience Is Part of the Process

If there’s one word that defines jury duty, it’s patience. Everything moves carefully for a reason. The court has to ensure fairness, respect procedures, and accommodate dozens of people’s schedules. What may feel like inefficiency from the outside is actually an intentional part of a system designed to protect rights.

Taking a deep breath and accepting that you’re part of that process can shift the experience from frustrating to meaningful.

A Reminder of Civic Connection

In our daily routines, it’s easy to feel disconnected from government or public institutions. Jury duty is a rare moment when that changes. You sit in a room with people from all walks of life, all called to serve a common purpose. It’s a tangible reminder that justice isn’t just something lawyers and judges deliver—it’s something communities uphold.

That realization stays with you long after you leave the courthouse.

Why Preparation Matters

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Many people dread jury duty simply because they don’t know what to expect. But with the right preparation—packing the essentials, dressing comfortably, and setting realistic expectations—you can reduce that anxiety and even find the experience rewarding.

Being a Better Juror

If you are selected, showing up prepared allows you to focus on the case itself rather than personal discomforts or logistical frustrations. The best jurors are the ones who are attentive, open-minded, and ready to listen. A little foresight helps you bring your best self to the role.

Supporting the Justice System

Every person who responds to a summons contributes to keeping the system fair and functional. When jurors show up prepared and engaged, trials move more smoothly, verdicts are more thoughtful, and justice is better served.

Final Thoughts

Serving on a jury—or even being called for jury duty—isn’t always convenient, but it is meaningful. From the perspective of a trial attorney, sitting on the other side reminded me how much our system depends on the willingness of ordinary people to show up, listen, and decide.

The experience wasn’t glamorous. There was waiting, repetition, and a fair amount of silence. But there was also respect, purpose, and community.

So if you receive that summons in the mail, take it seriously. Pack a few essentials, clear your schedule, and go in with an open mind. Whether you’re selected or not, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how justice works—and how your role helps sustain it.