Presentation of the case during trial

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION OF A CASE DURING TRIAL INVOLVES A MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION WHICH GRABS AND HOLDS THE ATTENTION OF THE JUDGE AND JURY

Effective presentation of a case during trial also begins long before the first juror is seated. If the case is not aggressively and expertly prepared for trial, it cannot be properly presented during trial; if it is not effectively and persuasively presented at trial, the message can be lost. The merits of a case are only as good as the ability of the trier of fact to appreciate them.

BIREN/KATZMAN's primary objective in preparing a case for trial is to marshal the substantive evidence which proves its client's case; both liability and damages. In that respect, the firm engages in aggressive investigation, discovery and utilization of expert witnesses, resulting in it being consistently better prepared on all issues than its opposition. Just as importantly, the firm believes in choreographing trial presentations so as to maximize impact upon the trier of fact. To that end, the firm will generally use a multi-media approach involving all or at least some of the following tools:

ELECTRONIC PRESENTATIONS
The trial lawyers of BIREN/KATZMAN have an array of electronic presentation devices which it utilizes in its trial presentations. A multi-purpose projector enables use of a several devices to project images onto a screen or monitor. A video presenter (ELMO) enables the trial lawyer to show any document, photograph or small tangible item directly to the jury through projection. A video player enables projection of video segments; especially excerpts of video depositions. A lap top computer enables "Power Point" presentations of exhibits and/or charts highlighting the evidence or arguments. A shadow box enables presentation of x/rays or more sophisticated radiographic studies such as CT, PET and/or SPECT scans and MRIs.

TANGIBLE EXHIBITS
Even though electronic exhibits can be very effective, there is no substitute for blow ups of key photographs, charts and/or documents. Likewise, in certain instances, actual key pieces of physical evidence should be transported to the courtroom so that the trier of fact can have "hands-on" appreciation of them.

USE OF MODELS
In many cases models can be built that will graphically depict key evidence such as vehicles, roadways, key areas of premises, etc.

One example of how a model was effectively used was a case where the issue was whether a bicycle would get caught in a railroad track that crossed the street at an angle. The firm built a platform in the courtroom with a length of actual track embedded in it at the same angle which it crossed the street. The expert could then demonstrate by pushing a bicycle along the platform just how its wheel would consistently get caught in the track; a demonstration which said more than 10,000 words could.

USE OF CHARTS
Creative charts can communicate in one view complex, multi-faceted ideas. They can focus the jury's attention by pulling unrelated facts into an overview which demonstrates their relevance and importance to the overall case. BIREN/KATZMAN works closely with exhibit specialists to design charts which persuasively tell its clients stories.

BIREN/KATZMAN has developed a tremendous capability of selecting the most effective method of presentation to fit the unique characteristics of each case. As a result, the firm has amassed an extraordinary record of trial victories and has recovered more than $100 million for its clients.

EXAMPLE OF TIME LINE CHART

Jane Doe Time Line Chart

EXAMPLE OF OPENING STATEMENT OVERVIEW CHART

Marthe Family Horror Overview Exhibit

Contact BIREN/KATZMAN for a free consultation about cases in any of our practice areas; your recovery could begin today.

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