LegalTech – Do-It-Yourself Trial Presentation for Under $1,200 (Part 2)

This post is Part II of LegalTech's 2-part series on "Do-It-Yourself Trial Presentation." Click here to read the Part I.

Software

Adobe Acrobat Pro X  Cost: $449.00

Acrobat Pro is essential to my practice, for so many reasons beyond trial presentations. It can easily bates-stamp documents and move pages within and between documents; it can be used to redact documents, or to type other information in.

For trial presentations, lawyers adhering to the “no bullet points” mantra will create slides that are composed mostly of evidence – medical records, pleadings, transcripts of testimony, photographs and exhibits. Many of those documents are saved in Adobe PDF form, and with Acrobat Pro they can be easily copied into a PowerPoint presentation.  Acrobat also includes some ability to recognize text within a document, and to highlight portions of the document.

Microsoft Home and Student 2010  Cost: $149.95

As useful as Acrobat Pro is, lawyers needing a cheaper alternative can use Microsoft Home and Student 2010, which provides much of the same functionality. Included in the package is PowerPoint 2010, which offers a variety of useful slide designs and templates. Most importantly, the Insert tab features a Screenshot button, which can be used to copy anything on the computer screen—including PDF documents.

The iPad Variant

iPad Cost: $499.00 to $829.00
If using an iPad, you will still need the projector, projector screen and Keynote. You can plug the iPad directly into the projector, but being tethered to it will limit your ability to move around the courtroom, and will hurt the “coolness” factor. To display images wirelessly with an iPad, you will need the following:

MiFi device Cost: $0.00 to $80.00, plus monthly fee (approx. $80.00)
The  MiFi device creates a portable wireless network, and it links the Apple TV to the iPad. These are available from most wireless cellphone carriers for a monthly subscription. They can often be used to connect five or more devices (including cell phones, laptops and iPads) to the internet.

Apple TV Cost: $99.00

Apple TV is a small box that connects to the projector and receives wireless transmissions from the iPad.

HDMI Cable Cost: $19.00

The HDMI cable is what connects Apple TV to the projector.

Miscellaneous Supplies

Speakers Cost: $25.00

If you are planning to play audio, including depositions or deposition clips, an external speaker is mandatory (unless your projector has internal speakers).  The laptop’s speakers are usually insufficient in a courtroom setting.  Speakers are available at a variety of sizes, some only a couple of inches high.

Extension Cord/Power Strip Cost: $30.00

Every courtroom is different, and there may not be enough plugs close enough to your projector and laptop.  Get two long extension cords and one power strip, just to be safe.

Duct Tape Cost: $3.50

To avoid injury (and liability), lawyers should tape down their extensions cords to prevent trips and falls in the courtroom.

Mouse Cost: $25.00

I like to have a spare mouse, one that plugs into the computer just to avoid problems like dead batteries.

Batteries Cost: $10.00

For any devices you use (mouse, laser pointer), have some spare batteries.

Card Table Cost: $15.00

A fold-up table is important because it may not be possible to place the projector on counsel’s table.  It must be small and easy to transport.

Conclusion

There are any number of other devices, accessories and software that you can use to enhance your presentations.  A laser pointer, video recording program (Camtasia Studios), timeline software (TimeMap), and drawing software (SmartDraw), to name a few.

Any lawyer can put a presentation together using these simple tools, carry the equipment to the courthouse, and set it up.  Lawyers uncomfortable going DIY can enlist the help of a paralegal, hire a college or business students (business students are great with PowerPoint), or hire a professional.  The point, though, is that this can be done cheaply, and can enhance even a half-day automobile collision trial.

About the Author
John J. Cord (John Cord Law, LLC) graduated from the University of Colorado School of Law. He concentrates his practice on automobile negligence, medical malpractice and workers' compensation.  He provides a wide range of technological services to law firms, including blogging and trial presentation.  Find his firm on Facebook and Twitter.