December 2025 Discoveries

Good morning Michael. Living in Illinois after being admitted to the Bar, I was considered ineligible to serve on a jury. When I moved to Florida, no longer had that exemption but each time called was dismissed because of my background. And by the time we moved back to Illinois I was exempt due to age. Never got the chance. Enjoy your day.

Good Morning Michael Jacobs  My first call for jury duty was sent to me right after I got my draft notice in 1970. It was to sit on the Bobby Seal trial, Black Panthers in New Haven, CT and the courtroom was intimidating to say the least. I was released, reluctantly by the judge and at least 1 lawyer due to the issues it would have caused me as I was to be in the middle of finals when the trial started.

I have been called several times since but sent home each time and the most recent time was earlier this year and I got a dismissal due to my age. Seems our deep blue state doesn't have a large, qualified jury pool.

Michael, this is a thoughtful and quietly insightful reflection. The parallels you draw between jury service and real estate are subtle but powerful — unique circumstances, incomplete information, human behavior, and the responsibility to listen carefully before forming conclusions.

That Lyndon Johnson quote is especially fitting. So much of both jury duty and real estate decision-making hinges on restraint, observation, and absorbing perspectives we might not initially expect. It’s a good reminder that clarity often comes from listening more than speaking.

Your post captures how everyday civic experiences can sharpen professional judgment in unexpected ways. A meaningful discovery, indeed.

Good Monday morning, Michael. Thanks for sharing this experience.

I have usually been dismissed from jury duty because I have a law degree.

In Florida (is it the same in California?) we do not have to go after 70 years old, though it seems to me it might be fun once I am retired.

Michael, Serving on a jury can gain insight into court proceedings, and interesting to observe how cases really unfold firsthand.

Yes indeed Jury duty requires active listening.  I have been called and excused because the attorneys want someone less intelligent and less informed. 

Hi Michael- oh yes, I have my share of jury duty experiences. Once, I misplaced my summon during finals in grad school. I thought for sure they were going to come for me and lock me up. 

I was selected and served in downtown Houston. On my second day, the parking lot attendant lost the keys to my car. I had to try to track Larry down which was not easy because this was prior to cell phones. It was night and did I mention in downtown Houston. Anyway, I got my dad and finally got hold of Larry. 

I don't mind jury duty if I didn"t have to hit downtown traffic at rush hour. 

Michael Jacobs  I was wondering where you have been.  I dread being called for Jury Duty because I would have to drive in rush-hour traffic, not to mention parking nightmares, or take the dreaded public transportation. 

Michael, UGH, jury duty.   Lucky you!   Two weeks is a fairly short duty, thankfully.   I have been called several times, but haven't got all the way to actually sitting in on one.

Hello Michael Jacobs a few times I attended jury duties, and each case is different. You explained the jury duty clearly.

Your reflections bring the courtroom experience to life in such a relatable way, Michael Jacobs, and the parallels you drew with real estate felt spot on 🙂. Thanks for sharing these insights that remind us how every encounter, whether in service or in business, carries its own lessons!

Michael Jacobs - I always consider serving on Jury Duty to be an honor. I was called to serve in Chicago; however, I had a valid excuse.

I was called for jury duty in Texas and served. It was quite a learning experience. In the court room your only job is to listen - really listen. Someone's life may be at risk. In that case, which lasted several days, the person was sent to Prison.

I've been contacted by Flower Mound several months ago, just for an opinion - Did I want to serve on jury duty? I said yes. But I haven't been called. 

I hope your experience was very positive. 

I hope I don't jinx myself by saying I've only been on Jury Duty once and it was a very long time ago. It was not a horrible experience but it was far more boring than I ever expected. Much more tedious than it appears on tv and in movies. LOL

Michael Jacobs - I'm looking forward to your next blog post. Hope you have a very Happy Holiday!

Hi Michael. Jury duty can be compared to real estate as each case is certainly different. It's been years since I have served since, they stopped calling after I reach 70 years old. The last time I remember serving it was a in Juvenile court for a child abuse case. It was difficult hearing the testimony of the defendant who was abused by an adult. Yet, it was an experience I have never forgotten. 

Michael, I am thinking after I move I won't get any summons for jury duty?   I won't be a Portuguese resident, so not there either.   Heaven!

Good Wednesday morning, Michael. Have a great day and a Very Merry Christmas!

Wow two weeks....

The last time I was summoned, was the day everything shut down for the pandemic.  That is how I got out of appearing.  Fingers crossed not called again.