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Next thing I knew, I was seated in the jury box, and the questions began. Do you recognize any of the attorneys? Do you have biases against the companies they represent? Are you acquainted with any of the people on the witness list? So, how do you feel about corporations?

One of the defendants was the Bank of America. The Bank of America attorney was by far the most attractive and best dressed. He was even the tallest. And, of course, had a full head of hair. He attended carefully as roll was called, and he maintained eye contact with prospective jurors pleasantly as person after person described their feelings about the Bank of America.

"I had an account in San Diego, and when I moved to the Bay area, the staff was very rude to me."
"Do you believe all Bank of America employees are rude?" asked the judge.
"Yes, I believe their rudeness comes out of their company policy."

"I feel skeptical of corporations. I think they try to take advantage of people."

"My husband was laid off by Bank of America 7 years ago. He had been there 7 years. It wasn't fair."

There was a recess and the attorneys were called to approach the bench. The judge announced that Bank of America was withdrawing from the case, and we recessed for lunch.

Returning from lunch, I looked forward to questions about asbestos. Now we would get to the interesting questions, the make or break for me. I was becoming more intrigued by the process and by this point actively hoping I would be selected. We were seated and the judge apologized for starting the afternoon session ten minutes late but speculated that we'd be relieved when we heard the reason for the delay.

"This case has been resolved. Before I dismiss you, may I say a few words about the process. I sincerely hope you do not feel that your time here was wasted. This case would not have been resolved without going to trial. Your presence here was a crucial part of this resolution."

We were dismissed at 2 PM, having traded away hours of questioning for a sunny -- and now free -- afternoon. And at least a year before we could be called again.