Today an increasing number of tech-savvy trial attorneys are turning to multimedia solutions to highlight critical evidence and testimony at trial.
With a well-organized multimedia presentation, skilled trial attorneys can wage in-court arguments and deliver powerful closing statements, seamlessly integrating key evidence and even impeaching or discrediting critical witnesses by replaying previously given testimony.
To deliver these sophisticated media presentations, attorneys are using case-building software programs to help organize and display the literally hundreds, even thousands, of evidentiary documents and exhibits that must be presented to juries.
For example, a typical multimedia presentation can integrate a range of documents and materials, including scanned photographs, medical records, sonograms, MRIs, letters, illustrations and video clips of deposed witness testimony.
The management and integration of these evidentiary materials is an increasingly complex task made easier today with new free software designed by Visionary and trial support services offered by court reporting firms like San Diego-based Peterson Reporting, Video and Litigation Services. Peterson, which is celebrating its 20th year serving San Diego area trial attorneys, recently introduced a multimedia platform to deliver these increasingly popular services.
"We see the trend continuing to grow," says Brenda Peterson, founder and principal of Peterson Reporting, Video and Litigation Services. "To stay competitive and command jurors' attention, attorneys rely on a variety of media to build persuasive arguments."
According to communications professionals, the science behind the use of multimedia is straightforward. Advertisers and entertainers have long recognized that to capture an audience's attention and make an impact you must stimulate senses and emotions. To make a dramatic impression on a jury, attorneys today deliver polished trial presentations with professionally produced video clips synchronized with deposition transcripts and strategic cutouts from key exhibits.
Peterson employs the free software program Visionary when building multimedia presentations for its client attorneys. The company also trains paralegals and attorneys on how to use the software platform so they can prepare their cases independently. "We recommend that our clients use the Visionary software because it is free, it's easy to use and compatible with all other case and document management software," said Peterson.
Another attractive benefit is that Visionary is network-able, so teams of attorneys can use the software platform simultaneously. This is especially valuable in the days and weeks leading up to trial. With competing licensed software, attorneys are typically charged licensing fees of up to $1,500 per user. This presents a challenge for firms with several attorneys who must "take turns" sharing licensed software. With Visionary, each attorney can prepare case documents and exhibits independently without coordinating schedules.
With the Visionary software platform, fees are only incurred for "add on" extra services like video synchronized to text or transcripts.
In February, Attorney Dick Semerdjian retained a trial presentation team from Peterson Court Reporting to assist in the development of a court presentation for a trial in Phoenix. Semerdjian credits Trial Presenter Missy Diede and the Visionary software program for a favorable outcome and for making a positive impact on jurors. "Peterson's not only gave us excellent personal service but provided peace of mind concerning the presentation of our evidence. I have never had a better experience in a trial," says Semerdjian.
San Diego Attorney Robert Juskie also recently decided to take the plunge and use the Visionary software at trial. He commented, "I could not be more happy that I did. The support I received was phenomenal and immediately erased any fears or doubts I had. Though I continue to be limited technologically, I will never again think of trying a lawsuit without utilizing the services of Peterson and Associates and the technology they offer."
For more information about the Visionary software program or Peterson Reporting, Video and Litigation Services, contact Brenda Peterson at (619) 260-1069 or visit www.bookadepo.com. To download the free visionary software, visit www.freevisionary.com. Peterson Reporting, Video and Litigation Services is headquartered in San Diego at 530 B St.
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