Dr. James Ruffin is the founder of Accurate Verdicts, a trial consulting firm in Dallas, Texas and acclaimed speaker and author of “How to Catch a Liar” and “Patient Today, Plaintiff Tomorrow”. He is a nationally recognized expert in identifying human behaviors and detecting deception, a skill he developed while serving 26 years with the United States Department of Justice. Dr. Ruffin has assisted some of the nation’s most respected healthcare organizations, excess carriers, and law firms with his innate ability to test case strategies, develop themes, prepare witnesses, and identify a favorable jury profile. Specializing in direct litigation support for the defense, Dr. Ruffin offers services that deliver tangible results and provide clear direction for accurate verdicts.
Dr. Ruffin earned his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed a Masters of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. He has been honored as a Life Fellow from the American College of Forensic Examiners and holds Diplomat status with the American Board of Law Enforcement Experts. In addition to trial consulting, Dr. Ruffin serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Tyler and Colorado Christian University. He is a member of the American Society of Trial Consultants.
Jim Ruffin is an expert and pioneer in the use of behavioral techniques and body language; his training helps his students tap into an unfamiliar language to understand people and build rapport. And he has years of law enforcement experience and a PhD. to add to his extraordinary foundation. Jim’s innovative training changed the way I supported and trained our crisis responders, and the way I continue to support trauma victims and survivors – his training was the best, ever. It’s a privilege to know him, and to have been trained by him
I’ve been fortunate enough to work directly with Dr. Ruffin on a very high profile case in California. His daily input was invaluable. He has an insightful, unique approach to the trial process from jury selection to closing argument. I found that my trust in his analysis and advice increased with every passing day. I highly recommend his input in what I call “big ticket” litigation.
I enjoyed your approach of moderating the sessions in order to draw out the kind of feedback that helps us understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Too often people get caught up in “results” of who won and what damages may or may not have been awarded. We must not lose sight of the real purpose of all the time and effort; which is to identify the themes in the case and create action plans to take advantage of what we learn.
We have partnered with Jim many times to speak at our annual conferences, compliments of his expertise in understanding deception and teaching the power of effective communication. Our clients always enjoy his presentations and provide excellent feedback. Jim is also skilled in presenting mock trial scenarios to train attendees on what to look for, and expect, if a claim is filed and litigation is anticipated. I would highly recommend Jim as an expert trainer and as someone to assist with focus groups and mock trials. I truly believe the value Jim delivers is second to none.
Dr. Ruffin brings a very engaging and cooperative approach to my insureds on our focus groups. He has a wealth of experience in developing themes for cases and drawing out the key issues. Since this process is critical to protecting our insured’s interests, I can always count on a common sense and practical strategy to flourish from his assistance. I have relied on him for many years to provide me direction on my cases, and guide me with securing optimal outcomes based on his focus group services.