I don’t know when they started allowing so much lawyer involvement in the selection process (maybe they always have?) it’s hard to find information. But to hire people to help?
I don't know. I don't like the idea of professional juries. Professionals would get captured by the legal profession. It would be like a panel of 12 lawyers. There's a reason for a panel citizens.
But I can't think of a reason why the judge couldn't pick the jurors instead of the two sides. The lawyers end up eliminating a lot of quality people. If your client is guilty your not going to want someone too rational. If your case is weak your going to want someone you can sway. If the judge did it he would only have to decide whether someone could be fair and reasonable.