Trial Presentation

Trial presentation software has the flexibility that PowerPoint does not, and the main benefit of trial presentation software is its ability to adapt and change the presentation as the courtroom environment evolves.

Trial presentation software is invaluable because it adapts to the changing needs and environment of the courtroom. It can easily index and synchronize video depositions with the deposition transcripts so an attorney can quickly reference and show video clips as the need arises in the courtroom. Such versatility and flexibility could prove invaluable if, for example, impeachment testimony has to be quickly created on the fly, or if certain testimony needs to be cut out because a judge rules that something is inadmissible.

The attorney who wins the case is usually the one who has accurate facts that can be effectively and convincingly shown to a jury in a way the jury can understand and remember. The attorney who has prepared a professional courtroom presentation will most likely win the case. The courtroom environment, more specifically jurors, has changed over the years. The members of juries rely on media in their daily lives, so wise use of media in the courtroom is critical. Attorneys who embrace digital media and electronic trial presentations designed to cater to modern juries may have greater success over those who do not. Litigation support from S.A. Legal Solutions provides guidance and resources for the creation of winning trial presentations and strategies.

Computers and equipment break down and anything electronic can fail. Networks can go down, and data can be lost or corrupted, computers can crash, and software can become corrupted. It is important to have backup plan in place to take care of a dropped laptop, a lost internet connection, or a corrupted file. It is essential to check that all the files needed for a trial presentation are contained on the computer or hard-drive that will be used at trial, and also have a second computer or an external hard drive with copies of all the files – just in case. Computers are not the only things that fail. People who operate who run the technical side of the trial presentation can get sick, or become unavailable for one reason or another. It is wise to have a backup person ready to go. And don’t forget to have a dry run. Set everything up and go through all aspects of the trial presentation well in advance.

S.A. Legal Solutions always advises client attorneys how to make sure every member of the jury has a great view of the digital trial presentation. For example, attorneys are advised to take the time to visit the courtroom in which the case will be tried in advance. Take note of where the jury box is located, and be sure that the jury will be able to easily view the electronic and digital media prepared for the trial. It is hard to persuade a jury with evidence they cannot see, or cannot see well.

Clutter is distracting, and just as an attorney should arrive in court dressed and neat, it is important that all aspects of a digital trial presentation appear neat and clean, as well. Computers, monitors, hard-drives, and projectors all need to be connected to each other via cables and need power via cords that plug into electric outlets. S.A. Legal Solutions helps every client to look great in court. Clients are taught to keep cables and cords bundled together and out of sight of the jury as much as possible to avoid appearing unorganized and cluttered.

A great digital media presentation might seem fantastic, but jurors still like humans, and old-school presentation methods by those humans. Just because digital and electronic media are available does not mean that they should be used exclusively. Capturing and holding the attention of a jury is crucial to an attorney’s goal of communicating his or her client’s theory of the case effectively. Use the media, then give the jury a break by switching up the medium to hold their attention. Write on a whiteboard, or a poster. Show a pre-printed profession exhibit board left on display to emphasize facts, and using other time- tested methods can help break up a presentation and help maintain juror interest.