Behind the Scenes of Jury Duty
A Candid Q&A with Our Accounting ManagerFrom iconic portrayals in 12 Angry Men to the viral comedy of Amazon’s Jury Duty, much of what we think we know about jury trials comes from pop culture. But behind the dramatized dialogue and meme-worthy moments is a real civic process—one that’s essential to our justice system.
As trial lawyers, we see firsthand the importance of juries. The right to have your case heard by a jury of your peers is fundamental to ensuring fairness and accountability in the courtroom. But we also understand why jury duty can seem, at first glance, like an inconvenience—boring, disruptive, even intimidating.
So when our Accounting Manager, Niki Rhodes, told us she’d been summoned for jury duty, we were curious to hear what the experience was really like from her perspective. In this Q&A, Niki shares what surprised her, how the process worked, and how her perspective on jury duty has shifted.
The Summons: First Impressions
Q: Where were you summoned to serve jury duty?
A: Galveston County.
Q: What was your first reaction when you received the summons?
A: Honestly? I thought, “How can I get out of this?” (LOL). But once I gave it more thought, I actually hoped I’d get picked. I’ve never served on a jury before, and I thought it could be a really interesting experience.
Q: Had you ever been called for jury duty before?
A: Sort of. I got a summons a couple of years ago, asked for an extension, and then right before my new date, I got an email saying there had been a fire at the courthouse and all trials were canceled—so my jury duty was, too.
Inside the Courthouse: What the Day Looked Like
Q: What was the process like when you arrived at the courthouse?
A: Very smooth. Most of the check-in process had already been done online, so I just walked in and checked in. It was pretty streamlined.
Q: How did you feel walking into the jury room for the first time?
A: It didn’t look like what I imagined a “jury room” would look like. It was a big room, full of people—it felt a little overwhelming at first, but also interesting. You could tell everyone was a little unsure of what to expect.
Q: Were you selected to serve on a jury, or did you go through voir dire only?
A: I wasn’t selected. On the first day, they read a list of names—if your name was called, you went to a courtroom. If not, you had to check your email each afternoon for the rest of the week to see if you’d be called in the next day. By Wednesday afternoon, I got an email saying I was dismissed from jury duty.
What You Don’t See on TV
Q: What surprised you most about the process?
A: Having to check your email every day to find out if you were needed the next morning. That kind of short-notice scheduling could be really tough for people with young kids or jobs that aren’t flexible.
Q: Was there anything you found confusing or unexpected?
A: Yes! While waiting, I learned that if selected, you might be sent to another location—like Crystal Beach—which is quite a drive. I had assumed everything would take place at the county courthouse in Galveston, where I was originally summoned.
Looking Back: What I Learned
Q: Would you serve again if asked? Why or why not?
A: Definitely. Since I didn’t get selected this time, I’d actually like to serve on a jury if I get summoned again. I think it would be a valuable experience.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who just received their first jury summons?
A: Don’t ignore it! It’s not as bad or intimidating as you might think.
Q: In your opinion, why is jury duty important?
A: Before the selection process started, a judge spoke to our group and explained that when people don’t show up, trials get postponed—and that means people seeking justice are left waiting. I had never thought about it that way, but it stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is for people to show up and take it seriously.
Why Jury Duty Matters
Jury duty is a cornerstone of our legal system. Whether you serve for just a day or get selected for a multi-week trial, your participation ensures that our courts remain fair, balanced, and community-driven.
Thanks to Niki for sharing her behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like—and for reminding us that sometimes, doing your civic duty is more meaningful than you expect.
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