IMS Legal Strategies Acquires First Court, Forging an AI-Powered Future in Jury Consulting

DALLAS, TX – January 14, 2026 – In a significant move that underscores the legal industry's rapid consolidation and technological evolution, IMS Legal Strategies today announced its acquisition of First Court, a pioneering jury research and trial consulting firm. The deal integrates First Court’s specialized expertise, including its proprietary Vulcan online research software and leadership in virtual mediation, into IMS’s comprehensive suite of litigation support services.

This acquisition is more than a simple expansion; it represents a strategic maneuver to dominate the increasingly sophisticated legal technology landscape. By absorbing First Court's entire team of 20 professionals, IMS is not just acquiring assets but also deep institutional knowledge and innovative technology designed to give attorneys a decisive edge in high-stakes disputes. The move positions the combined entity to meet the fast-evolving needs of law firms and corporate legal departments, which are demanding more integrated, data-driven solutions.

“We are growing broadly and deeply so we can continue to stay ahead of our clients’ needs at every stage of the legal timeline,” said James Crane, CEO of IMS Legal Strategies. “First Court fits all of our criteria for an addition to our company: values-based, client-focused, innovative, and led by its expertise. This is an addition of quality talent and technology into our company.”

A Strategic Play in a Consolidating Market

The acquisition arrives amidst a powerful trend of consolidation within the legal services sector. The global legal technology market, valued at nearly $30 billion in 2025, is projected to surge to over $67 billion by 2034. In this competitive environment, firms are aggressively pursuing M&A strategies to broaden their service offerings and capture niche expertise. For IMS, this is a familiar playbook, with the firm having previously grown through strategic acquisitions of companies like The Focal Point, Litigation Insights, and Tsongas Litigation Consulting.

The addition of First Court deepens IMS’s capabilities in the critical area of jury analysis. First Court, founded in 1989, has built a national reputation for helping attorneys and insurance companies evaluate and resolve lawsuits across 49 states by providing sharp insights into juror behavior. The acquisition signals IMS’s intent to become a definitive one-stop-shop for the entire litigation lifecycle.

“As we continue as a growth-oriented company, we are creating a community of leading professionals within every key aspect of jury research and consulting,” Crane added. This strategy aims to build an unparalleled brain trust capable of tackling complex legal challenges with a blend of human experience and technological power.

The Technological Edge: AI and the Future of the Courtroom

At the heart of this acquisition is a shared vision for a technology-driven future, particularly one powered by artificial intelligence. First Court brings its custom-built Vulcan online research software, a key asset that facilitates mock trials and provides invaluable feedback on case strategy. The integration of Vulcan is expected to significantly bolster IMS's existing strengths in behavioral science and communication.

The timing aligns with a seismic shift in the legal profession. Recent studies show that a vast majority of legal professionals—as high as 87%—view AI-assisted case management as a crucial competitive advantage. Nearly half of all law firms are now prioritizing AI integration in their litigation support services. This acquisition is a direct response to that demand.

Ryan Liffrig, First Court’s CEO who will be joining IMS, highlighted the forward-looking nature of the deal. “We chose IMS because of their stability and cultural fit and also because they will be able to continue to invest in the professionals and innovation that have been the keys to success since 1989,” Liffrig stated. “Together, we will offer a more expansive menu to our attorney and consultant clients with the resources to be able to deliver new technology faster, keeping up with advancements in AI to help them make informed decisions.”

IMS has already demonstrated its commitment to this frontier, having conducted research on public attitudes toward AI and provided expert witnesses in cases involving complex machine-learning models. The fusion with First Court's technology and expertise is set to accelerate these efforts, promising new tools that can analyze juror data, predict outcomes, and refine arguments with unprecedented precision.

Enhancing Client Outcomes from Consultation to Verdict

For the law firms, insurance companies, and corporations that rely on these services, the merger promises tangible benefits. The primary goal is to deliver a more powerful, streamlined, and effective suite of tools for navigating complex litigation. By combining IMS's broad capabilities—spanning expert witness services, trial graphics, and presentation technology—with First Court’s specialized focus on jury psychology, clients gain access to a more holistic strategic partner.

“Our clients appreciate expanded resources and new innovation and First Court will bring them all of that, with an impressive reputation for efficiency and quality,” said Chris Dominic, Senior Jury Consulting Advisor at IMS. “Bringing First Court into the IMS family gives our clients more ways to understand their jurors and shape winning strategies. It’s all about giving teams the support and tools they need in one spot.”

Continuity for existing clients is also a priority. First Court’s trial consultant support division, Vulcan Research Services, will continue its operations. This division provides essential electronic data collection, audio-visual support, and surrogate juror recruiting services to trial consultants nationwide. Under IMS, it will be strengthened with additional resources and experience, ensuring that the wider legal consulting community continues to benefit from its specialized services.

Integrating Talent and Culture for Sustained Growth

Successful acquisitions are built on more than just technological and strategic alignment; they depend on people. A key element of this deal is the integration of First Court’s entire 20-person team into IMS, a move that secures a wealth of talent and ensures a seamless transition of expertise. This retention of human capital, from the CEO down, underscores the value IMS places on First Court's established knowledge base.

First Court CEO Ryan Liffrig explicitly cited “stability and cultural fit” as a primary reason for the decision, pointing to a shared set of values. IMS has cultivated a corporate culture centered on principles like “Operate as One” and “Honor the Relationship,” alongside a formal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) program. This emphasis on a collaborative and respectful environment is designed to foster the kind of creative synergy needed to innovate and retain top-tier talent.

By uniting these two expert teams under a single banner, IMS is not just expanding its market share but is also building a deeper, more resilient foundation of expertise. This focus on cultural integration aims to ensure that the combined company will be greater than the sum of its parts, poised to redefine the standards of legal strategy and dispute resolution for years to come.