In the News
Jan 9, 2023

Defendants Vindicated in Harvard Fencing Team Bribery Case

Congratulations to Jie “Jack” Zhao and his lawyers at Quinn Emanuel—William D. Weinreb, Michael T. Packard, Jessica Reese, and Elizabeth Kelly—for their victory in defense […]

Congratulations to Jie “Jack” Zhao and his lawyers at Quinn Emanuel—William D. Weinreb, Michael T. Packard, Jessica Reese, and Elizabeth Kelly—for their victory in defense of allegations against Zhao of bribery related to Harvard fencing team admissions, reminiscent of the “Varsity Blues” cases.

Following a trial before U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole in District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the federal jury found business chief executive Zhao and his co-defendant, Peter A. Brand, a former fencing coach at Harvard, not guilty of conspiring in an alleged fraud and bribery scheme to recruit and admit Zhao’s sons to the prestigious Ivy League institution for two of the school’s coveted fencing admissions slots.

DOAR’s consulting team—Scott Allen, Raymond McLeod, Ellen Brickman, Ph.D., and April Mihalovich—was proud to provide jury research, graphics consulting, and trial presentation consulting.

Read more about the verdict on Law360.com.

 

Stay Informed
Stay up to date on our latest news and insights.
Subscribe
Read More
light trails with a flowing, dynamic motion
In the News
Jun 24, 2026
Defense Prevails in High-Stakes Section 16(b) Securities Trial Seeking More Than $500 Million in Disgorgement

DOAR supported Empery Asset Management and Brio Capital in a Section 16(b) defense verdict involving Kartoon Studios.

Read Now
Bryne Win Against Ameris Bank
In the News
Jun 16, 2026
Nearly $80 Million in Damages Awarded to Former Balboa Capital CEO in High-Stakes Contract Dispute Against Ameris Bank

A federal jury returned a sweeping victory in favor of former bank executive Patrick Byrne in his dispute against Ameris Bank.

Read Now
black and white curve lines with shadows
In the News
May 28, 2026
New DOAR Research Identifies Key Factors Shaping Liability Decisions in Civil Cases

Five-year analysis finds gender, socioeconomic status, and perceived case strength shape how jurors evaluate liability.

Read Now
black and white image with blur illustrating movement
In the News
Mar 30, 2026
SiriusXM Defeats Patent Claims in Delaware Bench Trial Win

Following a bench trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the court entered final judgment in favor of SiriusXM, holding that Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s patent infringement claims were barred by equitable estoppel. DOAR supported defense counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP with an integrated approach encompassing strategic advising, graphics consulting, and evidence presentation.

Read Now
black and blue lines fanning out from center point
In the News
Mar 26, 2026
Two-Thirds of Americans Support Liability for Chatbot-Related Suicides, New DOAR Study Finds

National survey highlights strong support for AI safety guardrails and reveals generational differences in attitudes toward chatbot accountability.

Read Now
copper and grey thick lines with gloss
In the News
Mar 19, 2026
DOAR Report Highlights Key Trends in 2025 ITC Section 337 Investigations

Our latest ITC report reveals renewed activity at the International Trade Commission, evolving technology focus areas, and emerging patterns shaping investigations.

Read Now
light leaks with orange and blue light flares in lense
In the News
Jan 28, 2026
Using Graphics in Insurance Litigation: Turning Volume into Clarity

For litigators, especially in insurance disputes with their endless exhibits and dense policy language, the challenge is not whether to use graphics but how to use them effectively, credibly, and strategically to make the case intelligible to the trier of fact.

Read Now
black background with copper bright orange textures lines. Actava TV
In the News
Jan 26, 2026
Federal Jury Finds for Actava TV on Malicious Prosecution and Tortious Interference Claims in Channel One Russia Worldwide Case

DOAR supported Foley Hoag in the Channel One Russia Worldwide Case, which resulted in a $4.5M jury verdict after a complex SDNY trial.

Read Now