Trial preparation checklist: A tactical workflow from discovery through verdict

Our trial preparation checklist walks through every stage of preparing your case for a trial, hearing, or arbitration. It begins with steps you can take during discovery to set the foundation for a strong case and ends with essential trial presentation strategies.

In this excerpt, you’ll find a concise outline that summarizes the workflow so you can understand trial prep at a glance. Click below to download the checklist and see each stage in detail.

A step-by-step outline for trial preparation

Almost nothing in a trial, hearing, or arbitration should be left to chance. While popular culture might suggest that cases hinge on dramatic courtroom revelations, the reality is that successful outcomes depend on months — or even years — of methodical planning and preparation.

Whether your case resolves at trial, in arbitration, through a hearing, or even at the settlement table, the work you do to build a compelling narrative and organize your evidence will determine your success.

This comprehensive checklist guides you through every stage of case preparation, from the early days of discovery through post-trial reflection, ensuring you’re ready to present your strongest argument in any forum. Use it as a roadmap to keep your trial preparation on track while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as your case evolves.

Quick summary checklist

Foundation

• Flag hot documents during review with strategic coding.
• Communicate with opposing counsel and establish ESI protocols.
• Choose software and exhibit organization methods.

Case development

• Organize evidence into Facts, Issues, and People.
• Identify patterns and connections in evidence.
• Create a visual timeline as your narrative backbone.
• Build your final story around the who, what, and when.
• Fill in the details with the evidence and testimony you’ve analyzed.

Depositions

• Prepare thoroughly with facts, law, and exhibits.
• Execute depositions with flexibility.
• Analyze and incorporate testimony into case story.

Witness and strategy

• Prepare witnesses with relevant materials and practice.
• Test arguments through mock trials for high-stakes cases.

Trial presentation

• Select appropriate technology and visual tools.
• Create compelling visuals (callouts, timelines, photos, graphs).
• Prepare video deposition clips strategically.
• Arrange tech support and test all equipment.

Conclusion

• Submit hyperlinked closing brief.
• Conduct post-trial reflection and juror interviews.
• Apply lessons learned to future cases.

Throughout

• Maintain flexibility as case evolves.
• Monitor progress and address gaps.
• Keep end goal in mind from the beginning.

Read the full checklist

This brief summary is a useful way to quickly understand the key steps of preparing for a trial, hearing or arbitration. Click the button below to download the full trial preparation checklist and get a comprehensive workflow that ensures every detail is accounted for.