At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go “beyond the bio” and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
We are proud to highlight two members of our Trial Graphics team this month. Combining art and science with years of practical experience, IMS trial consultants and graphic artists work collaboratively to develop and display your key case themes so the court will understand and recall your facts.
Senior Trial Consultant Stacey Jordan and Associate Graphic Designer Kelly Jacobi joined our team in 2021 and immediately put their talents to use to make a big impact for IMS clients. They both embody the IMS Core Values and what it means to “Honor the Relationship.” Read on to learn how Stacey and Kelly got their start in litigation graphics, which cases have been their favorite, and what they predict for the industry.
Stacey Jordan, IMS Senior Trial Consultant
Stacey has a strong background in litigation graphics—with experience running the gamut from conceptualization to execution—and she is proficient at helping clients transform their complex case facts into compelling trial graphics.
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I was working in infographics for years. When the newspaper industry was declining, I tried to find something else that was in a visual capacity but would be really interesting, and I fell into litigation graphics. I think it was the best move.
Q: Why did you choose IMS?
A: I was at a crossroads because I had started doing a lot of freelance work for ad agencies. I was deciding between IMS and an ad agency, but I chose to stay with litigation graphics. I just thought all the different aspects of litigation were fascinating, and all that IMS is involved in. It ignited a new spark for me.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department/role?
A: Well, I love the people. My colleagues are great, and it's exciting to keep learning. I mean, every day, with almost every new case, we’re gaining knowledge in different areas.
Q: Are there any stories you’d like to share?
A: I joined the Trial Graphics team a few months ago and have already seen how our different departments enhance one another. In my past roles in litigation graphics, there was little room for growth or cross-training. We always worked with outside companies for jury research or expert witness recruitment. At IMS, there are so many opportunities to learn about things I never even thought about. That’s been a pleasant surprise.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: I would say the willingness to change and evolve, especially through expansion and acquisition, and also the flexible working environment. It’s exciting that we have so many locations where I could travel and work from other offices. And that goes into the work/life balance too. I’ve been other places where they really stressed work-life balance, but there wasn’t any. Here, I'm having a better experience with work-life balance than I even expected.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: It’s about the relationship, really. With our colleagues and clients, we are just respectful of one other. We're very thoughtful with each other and operate as one team.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: Our Trial Graphics team has different lanes, but we work together to produce the best for our clients. The trial consultants are the people in front of the attorneys, and we help decipher the information because we’re usually more familiar with the elements of the case. We do a lot of the initial conceptualizing to clearly explain the details to the graphic designer, and then the designer executes our ideas. Beyond that, they elevate the initial concepts developed during mental mining sessions, which makes it a more efficient process and a much better product for the attorney to convey to the jury.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: When I first got into this field, many of the attorneys we dealt with didn’t see the value in presenting graphics to the jury. Most seemed to believe spoken arguments were enough, but there’s a different learning curve and retention rate if you hear something versus only seeing it. And if someone sees and hears something, that pretty much doubles the retention level. So we’ve spent a lot of time teaching attorneys about the value of using graphics to reinforce their arguments, and we back up what we’re saying with research data.
That’s what is so exciting about being in litigation and this field. When you look at magazines now, the ratio of images to text has changed so significantly from the mid-2000s, and that is going to keep evolving across industries.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: In the past, I worked on several labor & employment cases for the LAPD, and each case scenario seemed to get crazier and crazier. Those were my favorite because they were like watching telenovelas. I’m currently working on an intellectual property case at IMS that is really fascinating to me, but it’s not something I ever thought I would be interested in. I love that I can still be surprised and keep learning.
Kelly Jacobi, IMS Associate Graphic Designer
Associate Graphic Designer Kelly Jacobi describes herself as “a designer and artist with an insatiable desire to learn.” She may be a newer member of the IMS Trial Graphics team, but she brings a wealth of skill and passion—and a keen eye for what it takes to make a memorable courtroom presentation.
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I had no idea litigation consultation existed until I happened across the job posting for the associate graphic designer position with IMS on Indeed. I love working in niche industries and, after doing some research, knew I would enjoy digging in and learning about the world of litigation consultation.
Q: Why did you choose IMS?
A: I lost my previous position due to the pandemic and began my journey with IMS 364 days later. That year was one of the most challenging I have ever experienced. In my search for a new position, I found the IMS job posting and thought it would be an exciting role.
As I moved through the interview process, I had the joy of meeting several of the people I now work closely with. From those brief conversations, it was clear to me that there is a lot of heart in the design team, and at IMS. Being able to work with a team that is engaged and striving for excellence is uncommon, and so when I was offered the position, I was very excited to accept.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department/role?
A: I love being able to interact with and interface with a wide variety of people, and this role is perfect for that! My favorite thing about my department is that we are all very supportive and encouraging of each other, and both as individuals and as a team, we strive for excellence.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Helping foster a collaborative and supportive group, specifically with my fellow associate graphic designers. I couldn’t ask for better teammates to have started this journey with and having them by my side has helped me conquer many learning curves.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: Our diversity. Specifically, our diversity of thought. When approaching problems, whether it’s a tricky design or a bigger problem we’re helping IMS or our clients solve, our diversity of thought is our greatest asset. Having fresh eyes and minds on problems is one of the best ways to arrive at innovative solutions, and that’s what sets us apart from other companies.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: The IMS core values align in both broad and specific ways with my own values, which is very exciting for me. I love that IMS embraces employee feedback, especially when it’s challenging. Each of our values is superb, but I think it’s telling that Operate as One is our rallying cry this year. With the challenges of the past few years, and with how many new teammates we’re seeing join IMS, I find it especially timely that we’re focusing on how to best work together so we can all succeed.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: Without a doubt, the bespoke nature of our offerings. It’s great that we can meet clients where they are and offer a comprehensive and custom approach to help them best understand their cases and represent their clients.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: I think that juror engagement will become an industry trend. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of legal and technical details of a case, but remembering the power of storytelling for communicating, connecting, and persuading will be key as the world moves toward reconnecting after the pandemic.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: I recently worked on a large criminal case, which was my first step into the “major leagues” so to speak. Ahead of arriving on-site, I was quite nervous. My greatest concern was that I would be a passive observer due to my lack of experience—this is directly at odds with my passion for helping people and hands-on learning. I’m proud to say I was able to offer my thoughts and skills in useful ways throughout the trial. Much of that is due to the amazing team, which provided a safe and encouraging environment in which they elicited and appreciated input.
I am humbled and deeply appreciative for having had the opportunity to work with such a skilled, passionate, and knowledgeable team—both the IMS team and the client team. It was a pleasure and a joy to contribute in my own way.
Learn More
We could not be more grateful to work with such talented, genuine individuals. We hope you enjoyed learning about Stacey and Kelly as much as we did! Visit the links below to meet our team and learn more about the IMS culture and career opportunities.
