Kostelanetz LLP partner Sharon McCarthy spoke at the Trial By Jury 2024 program, hosted by the Practicing Law Institute (PLI) on October 16, 2024, in New York City. The panel, “Ethical Considerations in Jury Selection,” addressed the ethical challenges of using jury consultants and investigating jurors through social media. The panel explored how to avoid ethical pitfalls during voir dire and the extent to which a juror’s online presence should factor into their suitability.

Trial By Jury was a one-day program designed for both new trial attorneys and seasoned litigators. It featured sessions taught by prominent federal and state judges, as well as leading litigators from top law firms across the United States. Attendees refined their skills in jury selection, cross-examination, opening and closing statements, and managing ethical issues that arise during jury trials.

Other participants on the panel included the Hon. Stewart D. Aaron of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York; Anirudh Bansal of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP; and the Hon. Margaret M. Garnett of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

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Sharon McCarthy is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an award-winning litigator with extensive public service experience, including her tenure as an Assistant US District Attorney in the Southern District of New York. Twice a recipient of the Director’s Award for Superior Performance, Sharon has prosecuted cases in the Violent Crimes and Public Corruption units. Her practice areas include tax fraud, securities fraud, and insider trading, and she also conducts internal investigations for corporate and institutional clients. Sharon serves as an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School, teaching trial advocacy, and has been recognized by New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for her work in white-collar criminal defense.