In today’s data-driven legal landscape, effectively organizing and presenting case information isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for success. In a recent EDRM webinar, Nextpoint experts Brett Burney, Anand Mathew, and Sibrey McManus shared invaluable insights on using trial presentation software to build compelling narratives that win cases.
AT A GLANCE
- Build Your Case Framework Early: Define issues at the beginning of your case and connect the three pillars (issues, people, facts) using trial presentation software.
- Choose the Right Presentation Tools: Select appropriate trial presentation software based on file types, case complexity, and presentation style.
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your presentations to jury demographics and practice thoroughly with your technology before trial day.
- Leverage Transcript Management: Use purpose-built software instead of PDFs to search, organize, and collaborate effectively on deposition transcripts.
Build Your Case Story: Start Early
“Don’t wait until you’re getting ready for trial to start figuring out what story you want to tell,” advised Anand Mathew, VP of Litigation Support Services at Nextpoint Law Group. This key message resonated throughout the webinar. Effective case presentation begins long before trial.
The presenters emphasized structuring your case around three essential pillars:
- Issues: Elements you need to prove, themes to convey
- People: Your cast of characters who will tell the story
- Facts: Events tied to a timeline with supporting evidence
Using trial presentation software allows you to connect these elements from day one. As Anand explained, “Define your issues from the very beginning of the case. Figure out what elements you need to prove and what themes you want to get across.”
This approach helps identify evidentiary gaps early in discovery rather than scrambling to fill them later. With tools like Nextpoint’s Litigation Suite, teams can tag documents to specific issues, people, and facts, creating a comprehensive web of connections that becomes the foundation of your narrative.
Beyond Document Management
The webinar highlighted an often overlooked aspect of case preparation: transcript management. “Transcript testimony is just as important, if not more important, than documentary evidence,” Anand emphasized. “The transcripts are a reflection of the actual story that’s going to be told at trial.”
The presenters strongly cautioned against using PDF viewers like Adobe Acrobat for transcript review:
“Don’t let your attorneys use Adobe Acrobat to make notes in deposition transcripts,” Anand warned. “It’s really difficult to get those highlights out or tie them to the actual issues in your case.”
Instead, purpose-built transcript management software allows teams to:
- Search across multiple transcripts for keywords
- Tag testimony to specific issues
- Generate comprehensive reports by issue
- Collaborate effectively across the litigation team
The Growing Importance of Video Testimony
The pandemic has permanently changed how courts view video testimony. As Anand noted, “People are just used to watching people appear remotely now.”
This shift means legal teams must consider factors like backgrounds, lighting, and potential distractions during video depositions. The presenters shared examples of how these elements can impact credibility – from the relatable witness at their kitchen table to the banker whose beach house backdrop made him seem “dislikable.”
Choosing the Right Presentation Tools
When it comes to trial presentation, the webinar outlined two main approaches:
Linear presentation tools (PowerPoint, Keynote):
- Best for straightforward cases with a clear A-to-Z outline
- Ideal for opening/closing statements
- Work well with simple document types like emails and PDFs
Dynamic presentation tools (Nextpoint, TrialDirector):
- Essential for complex file types like Excel, AutoCAD, and video
- Allow for on-the-fly document callouts and highlights
- Provide flexibility when attorneys go off-script
“You don’t want to show up to game day unprepared,” said Sibrey McManus, Senior Client Success Director at Nextpoint. She emphasized the importance of understanding courtroom logistics before trial day – checking available power outlets, internet connectivity, and display options to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Know Your Audience
The presenters highlighted how different generations process information differently:
“Gen Z is known as the TikTok generation… they have a shorter attention span,” Sibrey noted. “So you’ll want to make sure that you’re continuously bringing up visual content to hold their attention.”
Understanding your jury demographics helps tailor your presentation style – whether emphasizing authority and structure for Baby Boomers or incorporating more visual elements for younger jurors.
Practice Makes Perfect
The webinar concluded with practical advice on presentation techniques:
- Focus attention: Use callouts and highlights to direct the jury to specific document sections
- Control information flow: Reveal complex timelines gradually to avoid overwhelming your audience
- Use visual storytelling: Convert text-heavy chronologies into engaging timelines with graphics
- Practice thoroughly: Test all technology before trial day to prevent avoidable mishaps
The Trial Prep Software Advantage
As litigation becomes increasingly complex, the right trial presentation software can be the difference between a compelling narrative and a confusing data dump. The webinar demonstrated how tools like Nextpoint can transform case preparation from disconnected documents and transcripts into an integrated story that resonates with judges and juries alike.
By connecting issues, people, and facts early in the case lifecycle, litigation teams can identify strengths and weaknesses, guide discovery efficiently, and ultimately present a clear, convincing narrative when it matters most.
Whether you’re handling document-intensive class actions or focused employment disputes, the principles remain the same: Organize early, connect your evidence to your narrative, and present it in a way your audience can easily absorb.
As Brett Burney reminded attendees, effective trial presentation software isn’t just for trials – it’s valuable throughout litigation for client meetings, settlement conferences, and any situation where your ability to tell a compelling story can make the difference between winning and losing.
For more resources on legal case presentation technology and preparation strategies, visit nextpoint.com.
