30 Top Tips for Working With Acrobat 9

Med Art has found the BEST TIPS for ACROBAT ...so here they are, share them with only your closest friends!

Don't Short-Change Yourself at Trial

Have everything you think you need for trial DIGITIZED and in your trial software. If a document pertains to your case, have it scanned and accessible from your presentation database. If a video clip might be admissible, have it digitized and accessible. A small investment in document imaging or video prep will often times save countless headaches and rush expenses at trial time.

This is not the time to be penny wise and pound foolish.

For sound advice on trial presentation needs your first step is to call Med Art & Legal Graphics.  Trial is too important to leave to the last minute or to people who aren't qualified. In most cases you have sent years developing a case that you don't want compromised because your message was damaged by a faulty and confusing delivery. 

Don't Overextend and Become Underexposed

Don’t overextend your software: Programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Corel Presentations are great for linear presentations such as opening/closing arguments or mediation/arbitration arguments. However, for complex litigation and witness examination – the ability to display documents quickly and in any order illustrates to the jury that you are making an effort to be organized and efficient with their time. Courtroom specific annotation tools such as TrialDirector, TrialPro, Sanction and others offer simple document annotation tools, video manipulation, and nonlinear exhibit access in one streamlined package.

Don’t overextend yourself: If your trial involves hundreds of documents and graphic exhibits, or countless hours of video clips; trust the database and clip preparation to a qualified courtroom technology consultant so that you can remain focused on your case without distraction.
...originally posted by Alex Rosen


For sound advice on trial presentation needs your first step is to call Med Art & Legal Graphics.  Trial is too important to leave to the last minute or to people who aren't qualified. In most cases you have sent years developing a case that you don't want compromised because your message was damaged by a faulty and confusing delivery. 

Maximize the Impact of Trial Exhibits

Med Art & Legal Graphics Co. can help you put together powerful trial presentations and highly persuasive exhibits. However, no matter how compelling your exhibits are, they’re worthless if the jurors can’t hear the audio clearly, can’t see the video or are unable to read your exhibit.

Med Art goes to court with you to present exhibits for maximum effectiveness while you focus on presenting your case. This is especially important if the case is exhibit-intensive.

When you’re on your own, however, fear not: Here are some tips provided by Trial Theater to maximize the impact of your exhibits:

1. How to guarantee that the jury hears every word of your recorded statement. As you start playing the audio recording, cup your hand over your ear and make eye contact with each and every juror. Non-verbally, you’re asking them if they can hear the statement. If they can hear it, they’ll nod their heads in agreement or give you a “thumbs-up” sign. If they can’t hear, they’ll give you a non-verbal clue to raise the volume (or maybe even tell you, “Turn it up, I can’t hear!”)

Here’s an added benefit: Making eye contact with each juror forces you to “check in” with them, so you can evaluate how things are going.

2. How to guarantee that the jury sees your video. Get to the courtroom early and set up your video display. Turn on your video, then climb into the jury box. Sit in every seat in the jury box so you can see what your jurors will see. Do you need to crane your neck to see the video? When you move to the end of each row, does it become difficult to see the video screen? Is the screen too close? Too far? Make any adjustments now, before the jury gets here, so you can be assured that they’ll see your evidence.

Once you start playing the video for the jury, you’ll want to repeat the step outlined above to ensure that they can hear the recording. While you’re making eye contact with each juror, track their sightline. Can they actually see the video? Are they actually looking at it? If not, make any necessary adjustments so they can view your evidence.

3. How to guarantee that the jury reads your exhibit. If you’re presenting written exhibits to the jury (such as posters of the jury instructions or blow-ups of contract highlights) you want to make sure the jury actually reads your exhibit. To make sure they have enough time to read it, quietly read through the entire exhibit to yourself twice. You’re already familiar with the exhibit, so you’re going to read through it faster than your jurors will. After your second read-through, take a moment to make eye contact with every juror. Look at their eye movement. If they’re looking at you, they’re ready for you to proceed. But if you see they’re still reading, don’t say anything yet. Wait until everyone has finished reading before you or your witness say anything about the exhibit.

Read more: http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/category/courtroom-presentation-skills/#ixzz0S9Cqn5K3

Tips from the Courthouse: Don't Try Be Disney!

Trial Presentation is intended to keep attorneys organized and efficient, while allowing the judge and jury to easily follow your facts and opinion. Some attorneys will attempt to bring “smoke & mirrors” to WOW the audience in the attempts to hold their attention and sway their minds.  Use the technology to give you quick access to evidence and clearly highlight your key points.  Don’t use technology to try and overwhelm the jury with fancy animation and colorful illustration. If it doesn't bring content and clarity to to story Forget It.  Juries see through this tactic and you may lose their trust. They do respect getting to information quickly and clearly, because ultimately their main objective is get the info, decide on the case and GO HOME!


For more Trial Tips from Med Art please feel free to subscribe to Trial Presentation Blog or go to Med Art & Legal Graphics web site to see more demonstrative evidence examples.

Litigation Presentation & Exhibit Myths Debunked

Debunking the Myths of Litigation Exhibits & Presentations

I recently attended a legal conference in sunny Arizona where I discussed the services of our company – Med Art & Legal Graphics – with attorneys from across the country. It was good to see many old friends who have used our demonstrative evidence exhibits & trial presentations with much success. Still, I ran into a few who told me, “I don’t use that kind of stuff.”

Granted, not all cases require exhibits. However, I feel I should address some…um…myths (for lack of a better term) I have heard from attorneys regarding the use of “that kind of stuff.”

Below, I debunk the 5 most common myths. I will also provide hints to help you to clarify the facts & fortify your case through the use of demonstrative exhibits and litigation presentation tools…for all budgets.

MYTH 1: We don’t go to trial, so we don’t need big, splashy graphics.

Splashy graphics? Probably not. However, you still need to present your case in a concise & compelling manner. Fumbling around with boxes of documents and MRI films in a manila folder is a red flag to opposing counsel: You might as well go to Kinkos & buy a banner saying “I am sooo not ready to go to trial!”

We offer many options that communicate the facts of the case in mediation/settlement while sending the clear message, “We’re ready, bring it on!” Briefly, in order of expense…

o Illustration (or “board”): We can take stock art and make minimal modifications, or enhance xrays/MRI films, to present a clear picture of the injury(s) in your case at a very modest price.

o Interactive PDF Presentation: These incorporate all case facts – depo clips, accident scene photos, before/after pix, photos, enhanced films, EFM strips, comprehensive depiction of injuries – in easy-to-use file that you can email, burn to disc or simply pull up with no special software. The PDFs are so easyto work with, they make TrialDirector look like quantum physics! And they’re surprisingly affordable.

o Day-In-the-Life/Wrongful Death Video: We take photos, video footage, family interviews, depo clips, medical records and all other relevant information… and put it together into a well-scripted, compelling presentation for display via video screen or laptop. And the price would surprise you: The benefits far outweigh the cost.

Many other options exist that fall in between these there basic levels of communication in terms of simplicity and cost. Med Art & Legal Graphics provides free, no-obligation quotes to determine the appropriate medium given your case facts and budget.

MYTH 2: My case doesn’t warrant the expense.

Winning is the object, right? But if the jury (or settlement panel) can’t visualize the damages, why bother?

A picture’s worth a thousand words. The complexities of human anatomy escape most people – jurors & judges alike – unless they have a visual aid to guide them. A medically accurate drawing created by a Certified Medical Illustrator(CMI) and placed within the jury’s view throughout trial will have a dramatic impact… and generally for less than $1,000.

To see examples of exhibits depicting all types on anatomy, visit the “Gallery” section of our website – www.med-art.com.

MYTH 3: Graphic exhibits won’t be admissible.

When exhibits are prepared by Certified Medical Illustrators, then reviewed and approved by the treating physician or other expert to be true, fair and accurate, they are always accepted into evidence.

A skilled attorney will have her/his exhibits prepared by a professional – like Med Art & Legal Graphics -- who works with experts to get the necessary approval every step of the way. This applies equally to crime scene exhibits, accident orientation depictions and all other illustrative mediums.

For those of you DIY folks, take note of what Ed Josiah of GREYHAWK North America has to say in his treatise, “Demonstrative Evidence Evidentiary Issues & Laying a Proper Foundation:”

“When casually measured and hastily prepared diagrams are used to pinpoint specific placement of crucial evidence, or to verify eyewitness visibility, they step over the boundary of their original intent and may create a false picture of the evidence.”

Don’t risk exhibit inadmissibility: Contact the professionals at Med Art & Legal Graphics Company – 888-715-0784. Or, visit our website at www.med-art.com.

MYTH 4: People are tired of PowerPoint presentations (or… computer-generated exhibits are too slick for my audience).

No trial or settlement presentation should look too slick… or like a yellow-letters-on-blue-background cliché.

A good trial presentation incorporates exhibits and other case elements to reinforce key facts. Here's a few things an effective presentation might include: Before/after photos of the victim; crime/accident scene photos or schematic diagram; deposition clips; audio clips of 911 call; medical illustration or enhanced xray/MRI; 2D or 3D model to depict a single injury or an interactive 3D model to illustrate multiple injuries; and more.

If your presentation is merely a series of text slides with a clipart image or two thrown in, leave your laptop at home!

Professionals with more than 20 years of courtroom experience nationwide (like Med Art & Legal Graphics) KNOW what works. We know how to communicate key case facts clearly & concisely, without pyrotechnics or other distracting gizmometry…or the blandness of a high school English lecture. We create our exhibits and presentations for one reason: To make a complex issue clear to your audience.

MYTH 5: “I can do it myself.”

Armed with the latest litigation software, attorneys with complex cases might be tempted to go it alone…to disastrous effect. When opposing counsel throws you a curve ball, you need to be framing your next argument…not searching the database for the document you need to refute your opponent’s assertion.

o Dedicated Trial Consultants. Med Art & Legal Graphics has dedicated trial consultants who go to court with you. They know your case and are poised to pull up the necessary documents as scripted or on the fly. They take the guesswork out of complex litigation situations and allow you to do what you do best – present a winning case.

o Litigation Software Training. Our years of experience and understanding of litigation software packages – including TrialDirector, Sanction and others – enable us to provide attorneys, paralegals and assistants with the necessary training to effectively use these programs for trial prep and presentation.

o Presentation Preparation for Trial or Mediation. We create presentations to meet the specific needs of your case – whether for trial, mediation or settlement. Our new interactive PDF presentations are a great tool for combining a variety of exhibits & case elements into one easy-to-use file. To request an example, call us at 888-963-3278.

o Exhibits Creation. We provide all types of exhibits, from basic stock illustrations to complex 3D models. Worried abt cost? We provide consultation and no-obligation quotes free of charge.

Contact Med Art & Legal Graphics at 888-963-3278 for all your litigation presentation needs!

Myths of Litigation Exhibits & Presentations

MYTH 5: “I can do it myself.”

Armed with the latest litigation software, attorneys with complex cases might be tempted to go it alone…to disastrous effect. When opposing counsel throws you a curve ball, you need to be framing your next argument…not searching the database for the document you need to refute your opponent’s assertion.

o Dedicated Trial Consultants. Med Art & Legal Graphics has dedicated trial consultants who go to court with you. They know your case and are poised to pull up the necessary documents as scripted or on the fly. They take the guesswork out of complex litigation situations and allow you to do what you do best – present a winning case.

o Litigation Software Training. Our years of experience and understanding of litigation software packages – including TrialDirector, Sanction and others – enable us to provide attorneys, paralegals and assistants with the necessary training to effectively use these programs for trial prep and presentation.

o Presentation Preparation for Trial or Mediation. We create presentations to meet the specific needs of your case – whether for trial, mediation or settlement. Our new interactive PDF presentations are a great tool for combining a variety of exhibits & case elements into one easy-to-use file. To request an example, call us at 888-963-3278.

o Exhibits Creation. We provide all types of exhibits, from basic stock illustrations to complex 3D models. Worried abt cost? We provide consultation and no-obligation quotes free of charge.

Contact Med Art & Legal Graphics at 888-963-3278 for all your litigation presentation needs!

MYTH 4: People are tired of PowerPoint presentations (or… computer-generated exhibits are too slick for my audience).

No trial or settlement presentation should look too slick… or like a yellow-letters-on-blue-background cliché.

A good trial presentation incorporates exhibits and other case elements to reinforce key facts. Here's a few things an effective presentation might include: Before/after photos of the victim; crime/accident scene photos or schematic diagram; deposition clips; audio clips of 911 call; medical illustration or enhanced xray/MRI; 2D or 3D model to depict a single injury or an interactive 3D model to illustrate multiple injuries; and more.

If your presentation is merely a series of text slides with a clipart image or two thrown in, leave your laptop at home!

Professionals with more than 20 years of courtroom experience nationwide (like Med Art & Legal Graphics) KNOW what works. We know how to communicate key case facts clearly & concisely, without pyrotechnics or other distracting gizmometry…or the blandness of a high school English lecture. We create our exhibits and presentations for one reason: To make a complex issue clear to your audience.

Med Art & Legal Graphics professionals will review your case and recommend the best way of presenting the facts... free of charge! To learn more, contact us at 888-963-3278.