Greg Wheeler

Greg Wheeler is the Jury Department Manager at King County Superior Court in Washington state.12 He oversees the jury services operations for the court, which includes managing the jury selection process and implementing new systems.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements

Jury Management System: Wheeler utilizes a Jury Management System program along with Excel spreadsheets to manage the jury selection process.2 In 2021, he played a crucial role in developing workarounds and refining systems to support virtual jury selection (also known as virtual voir dire) during the COVID-19 pandemic.1

Innovation During Pandemic: Wheeler and his team quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, implementing remote jury selection processes that allowed prospective jurors to participate from their homes rather than coming to the courthouse.1 This involved creating new systems for tracking juror status, communicating with jurors via email, and coordinating with bailiffs and attorneys.

Juror Experience: Under Wheeler's management, the jury department has focused on improving the juror experience. They have taken input from various stakeholders, including bailiffs, court staff, judges, attorneys, and jurors, to devise solutions that address concerns and enhance the process.1

Jury Summons and Participation: In 2006, it was reported that Wheeler's department issued 81,500 summonses, with 17,651 people actually serving as jurors.3 This indicates the scale of operations he manages and the challenges in juror participation.

Workgroup Participation: Wheeler has been involved in broader efforts to improve jury trials. He was part of the Resuming Jury Trials in Washington State workgroup, which aimed to develop guidelines for resuming jury trials during the pandemic.4

Greg Wheeler's role as Jury Department Manager at King County Superior Court involves overseeing a complex system of jury management, adapting to changing circumstances, and working to improve the jury service experience for citizens of King County, Washington.