tips for tackling trials - two firms share their approaches michael brockwell trial support...
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Tips for Tackling Trials - Two Firms Share Their Approaches
Michael BrockwellTrial Support SpecialistHaynes and Boone, LLP
Joan WashburnDirector of Litigation SupportHolland & Knight, LLP
The Holland & Knight Approach Focus on process
Building trial preparation into the discovery phase Organizational tools and process brought to bear
early on in a matter
Small number of dedicated trial laptops, printers, software licenses and ancillary equipment
Managed Chaos! Checklists and timelines
The Haynes & Boone Approach “One Riot, One Ranger”
Not just trials, but all trial events (MSJs, mediation, arbitration) — Anything adversarial
Authority and responsibility for all directly-trial event related technology (courtroom and warroom)
Separate from Litigation Support (document/image and database support)
The Evolution of the Haynes & Boone Model Initially, multimedia support only
Later, gained credibility and began providing input on strategy and visualizations
As the department matured, more and more consulting mixed with multimedia support
Now, moving towards consultant role providing strategy and presentation advice and outsourcing some multimedia
Holland & KnightInternal vs External SupportGauge the complexity of the matter and the
extent of support needed Length of trial, travel, equipment and staffing
considerations
What is at controversy and what will the budget bear? Efficiencies gained by dedicated outsourced
resource Cost and revenue considerations
Haynes & BooneInternal vs External SupportLitigation support (document handling,
productions, etc) coordinated internally but handled externally
Direct Trial Support handled substantially internally – but more external support contemplated
Tips for Educating, Marketing and Promoting Trial ServicesBe clear on internal capabilities. Don’t under
or over sell!
Integrate discussions on policy and best practice into practical training opportunities, i.e., application training
Tips for Educating, Marketing and Promoting Trial ServicesDon’t assume that your attorneys know what
you can do – show them
Find your stakeholder partners, and give them the ammunition they need. Partners listen to partners.
Success breeds success – get a mention in the firm “winning trial team” email
Checklists DocumentsTrial in a Box – Supply List
Equipment List
Questionnaire
Checklist
Lessons LearnedTest your equipment offline before you leave
the office!
Redundancy: things break, even things that can’t break
Be prepared to bring everything for yourself
Predictions on the FutureAs litigation grows ever more expensive, clients
will require a nimble approach to trial support Creative use of technology and manpower
Knowing which button to push isn’t enough
Attorneys will be doing more for themselves, because they have lived with tech their whole lives
And What About iPads?H&K is developing a suite of tools for iPad,
which will include presentation software Software seems still to be in early development
Knowing which button to push isn’t enough
Attorneys will be doing more for themselves, because they have lived with tech their whole lives
And What About iPads?Will eventually replace laptops
Will allow attorneys to do more for themselves
Will still require support, but of a different nature
ROBERT J. BROWN, III "Trey" SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT COURTROOM SCIENCES, INC. 972.717.1773 [email protected]
eDISCOVERY SERVICES GLOBAL DEPOSITION SERVICES LITIGATION PSYCHOLOGY PRESENTATION TECHNOLOGY
Any Questions?