Why Use Visual Aids in the Courtroom?

During a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding, many attorneys seem to overlook the importance and value of using visual aids in the courtroom. Some attorneys may think that visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, animations, and boards are unnecessary to make their arguments. They may also be concerned—especially if a hearing is scheduled with short notice—that preparing visual aids cuts into valuable time that could be used to prepare arguments and witnesses.

However, using visual aids adds significant value to an attorney’s arguments. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we know that putting together a PowerPoint presentation or printing large exhibits can seem daunting. We are a full-service litigation consultation and trial technology company and not only prepare visual aids for our clients, but also help them determine which visual aids are most effective for the arguments they would like to make.

Visual Aids Bring a Case to Life

When someone tells a story, it may not always be easy to follow. However, add in some photos, videos, or even a diagram, and suddenly your statements may “click” with your audience. In especially complex matters, such as medical malpractice claims, visual aids often help the jury piece together what happened in the body. For example, explaining the impact that an injury had on a medical malpractice victim can be persuasive, but adding in a video that shows the difficulty the victim has completing daily activities is much more powerful.

Visual Aids Transfer Easily to Remote Proceedings

For much of the past year, many courtroom proceedings have been virtual or remote in nature. Whether your hearing or trial is in a physical courtroom or must be conducted online, the visual aids you prepare will be useful. Photographs, videos, charts, and other such tools are all easy to display with virtual meeting software. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are prepared to assist you with both virtual and in-person proceedings.

Individuals Have Different Learning Styles

Judges and jurors all have different learning styles. Some individuals learn by listening, others learn by hands-on experiences, and many learn by observing. Visual aids are appealing to many judges and jurors because they are able to appeal to a variety of learning styles. Visual aids may use sound clips (such as in videos, animations, and other types of presentations) to amplify their impact on the audience.

Visual Aids Help Attorneys Solidify Their Arguments

When attorneys use visual aids in their presentations, they have an opportunity to strengthen their arguments even more. How? Visual aids help attorneys learn new concepts as well. Before taking a certain type of case, an attorney is likely unfamiliar with specific engineering concepts or a complex injury claim. These aids help the attorney gain a full understanding of the facts of the case so that the attorney can make legal arguments that are compelling. When an attorney appears knowledgeable and confident in front of the jury, the jury finds the attorney’s arguments much harder to dismiss.

The Jury Expects It

In today’s legal world, judges and jurors alike often expect some type of visual aid as they observe a legal proceeding. Thanks to an endless number of shows on television that involve legal-themed elements, many individuals may be disappointed if they do not at least get to look at a few pictures during a trial. Managing juror expectations is one of the most important aspects of a good legal argument. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we can help create powerful visual aids that impress the jury.

To Learn More About Our Services, Contact Us Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we have partnered with law firms throughout the country in a variety of case types. Whether you have a multi-week trial coming up or need assistance with a mediation, we can provide the tools you need to effectively argue your case. To schedule a free consultation with our team to learn about our services, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com.

Selecting the Best Expert Witness for Your Case

Expert witnesses often add a significant amount of value to a case. Expert witnesses help the jury understand complex issues, such as medical errors or engineering practices, that the average layperson does not comprehend. When the jurors have a clear understanding of a case, they may be willing to add tens of thousands of dollars to a verdict.

However, selecting the proper expert witness is crucial for any case, whether it involves medical malpractice, insurance matters, or construction defects. An expert with numerous qualifications and degrees will add little value to a case if that expert cannot effectively communicate with the jury. How do you know if your expert will be an effective witness?

The Expert Witness’s Experience in the Courtroom

Testifying in a case involves much more than simply telling the jury about a subject matter. An expert witness must effectively answer questions from opposing counsel and must appear credible to the jury. If the jury does not believe the expert is being truthful and transparent, the jury will likely dismiss the expert’s testimony.

Expert witnesses who have previously testified in a variety of legal proceedings often make good candidates for upcoming trials. These individuals are experienced in being cross-examined and understand the trial process. They understand that the facts of the case must match relevant laws and regulations. Of course, expert witnesses just breaking into offering their testimony at trial may be able to offer fresh perspectives to a jury.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are able to work with the expert to ensure he or she is thoroughly prepared for your trial.

Communication, Communication, Communication

How effectively does the expert explain complex ideas? Does the expert speak clearly? Is the expert engaging and interesting? Many experts who look remarkable on paper are woefully ineffective in front of a jury. As we prepare for your trial, we want to select an expert who keeps the jury’s attention, breaks complex concepts down into simpler terms, and refutes the positions of the opposing party.

Allow Plenty of Time to Find an Expert

As attorneys know, it takes many months or longer for a case to be scheduled for trial. There are numerous hurdles the parties must overcome before a court places a trial on the docket. However, the sooner you begin your search for the perfect expert witness, the better. Researching credentials, scheduling meetings (including virtual meetings), and preparing testimony all take weeks. In addition, depositions, hearings, and, of course, the trial date must all be coordinated with the expert’s schedule.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are prepared to begin working on your case. We will go over, in detail, your goals for your client and provide a roadmap as to how we can help you accomplish these goals. In addition, we are also able to help you prepare effective arguments and create exhibits for you to use in the courtroom. We have a variety of technology services available for your benefit as well.

To Learn More About TrialSpectrum, Inc., Contact Us Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we provide high quality litigation consultation and trial technology services to firms throughout the country. To schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the services we provide, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com today.

Why Hire a Litigation Consultation and Trial Technology Company for Mediation?

To many attorneys, litigation consultation and trial technology companies are sought out for assistance with complex, high-profile cases and trials. They may consider hiring such a company only if they have a case with a seven- or eight-figure verdict at risk. However, litigation consultation and trial technology companies, like TrialSpectrum, Inc., also provide valuable services for out-of-court proceedings like mediation.

As attorneys know, the primary goal of mediation is to settle a claim—to keep it out of court and, in many cases, out of the public eye. Mediation offers a variety of incentives to the parties: they can create a settlement agreement that suits each party, they can openly discuss their arguments with the mediator in a confidential setting, and they do not have to worry about coming under fire during cross-examination in court.

Though litigation consultation and trial technology companies do offer services targeted for the courtroom, their products often easily transfer to the behind-the-scenes setting of mediation.

Exhibits and Presentations

The manner in which information is presented during a case—whether inside or outside of the courtroom—makes a significant difference in its outcome. Attorneys must ensure that their audience is receptive to the argument they want to make. What is effective for a judge in a courtroom may not be effective for opposing parties in mediation.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we create custom presentation materials for your mediation. Depending on your client’s goals, the type of case, and the arguments you want to make, our team will create effective exhibits that are easy to understand and persuasive in nature. Once the opposing party and their counsel see the thoroughly prepared materials you have brought to mediation—and realizes that similar materials would be presented in the courtroom—settlement may become more likely.

Case Details and Themes

Since mediation is much less formal than a courtroom hearing or trial, many attorneys may not have a streamlined presentation prepared in advance. However, identifying case themes and selecting details to present that support those themes will drive arguments home to both the mediator and to opposing counsel. Although, of course, the mediator is not a decision-maker in the case, many mediators do not hesitate to emphasize the strength of one party’s arguments to the other party.

The professionals at TrialSpectrum, Inc. will meet with you (virtually, if needed) to go over your case. Based on our years of experience, we will pull facts and details from the case and organize them so that your presentation flows smoothly. Additionally, we will anticipate opposing counsel’s arguments and determine the most effective ways to refute those arguments.

An organized presentation, coupled with persuasive graphics and media, significantly improves the odds of settling during mediation.

Preparing for Trial

In some cases, a party simply refuses to settle at mediation. If this ends up being the situation in your case, all is not lost—after all, you have practiced making your arguments and have learned which ones were effective. You were able to practice using the exhibits and presentations you may use at trial. Additionally, you will be able to share the arguments that opposing counsel used during mediation with the team at TrialSpectrum, Inc. so that we may solidify your arguments before you head to the courtroom.

To Learn More About Our Services, Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our excellent team of professionals assists law firms throughout the country with cases of all types. If you would like to schedule a time to speak with us about your case, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com.