About Nikoleta Despodova

Nikoleta Despodova is a jury consultant and behavioral researcher specializing in data-driven trial strategy, with over eight years of expertise in academic jury research, applied psychology, and litigation consulting. As the founder of ND Litigation Consulting, she draws on a distinguished academic career to provide trial teams with rigorous, evidence-based insights that inform jury selection, case assessment, and trial presentation.

Ms. Despodova’s work is grounded in empirical research. She has been recognized with awards from the National Science Foundation and the American Psychological Association. Her scholarship includes five peer-reviewed publications and nine national conference presentations.

Before establishing her consulting practice, Ms. Despodova collaborated with leading consulting firms and served as a research lecturer across the CUNY and SUNY systems. She developed and taught more than 40 college courses on topics including jury decision-making, research methodology, and legal psychology.

Ms. Despodova holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Psychology and is ABD (All But Dissertation) for her Ph.D. at The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY). With advanced expertise in SPSS, R, and Qualtrics, she is adept at transforming complex behavioral data into actionable trial strategies that give clients a competitive edge.

Through ND Litigation Consulting, Ms. Despodova is committed to helping trial teams navigate jury dynamics with the precision, objectivity, and strategic depth that comes from a career dedicated to the science of persuasion and decision-making.