Shannon Bales, of Munger, Tolles and Olson, Sheila Grela, of Buchalter, Grady Glover, CEDS, of Lawrence Bartels LLP, Phillip Nickels, of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, and Patty Hartnett, of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP spoke yesterday on "Building Your Trial Technology Playbook: Best Practices from the Trenches at The Masters Conference Legal in Los Angeles CA.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
1. The Critical Role of Trial Logistics Teams
Trial logistics is far more than just booking a courtroom. It includes coordinating everything from trial space setups, IT infrastructure, document and exhibit tracking, to ensuring attorneys have a seamless experience when they arrive.
Concierge-level service, such as shipping attorneys’ wardrobes to trial locations, is a game-changer in high-stakes litigation.
2. Why Planning & Organization is Key
Effective trial teams operate like a Broadway production: the curtain is going up whether you're ready or not.
Checklists, pre-trial technology audits, and daily debriefs help ensure smooth trial execution.
Whiteboards, digital communication tools (Teams, Slack, or group emails), and clearly defined roles keep everyone aligned.
3. Exhibit & Evidence Management is Non-Negotiable
Every page of every exhibit should be labeled and tracked.
Paralegals play a crucial role in ensuring documents are accurate, organized, and presented correctly during trial.
4. Technology’s Role in Modern Trials
AI and automation tools are transforming trial preparation, from generating trial outlines to creating compelling demonstrative exhibits.
Courtroom tech setups should always have redundancy – a backup for everything, including hardware, software, and internet connectivity.
5. Building Relationships is Just as Important as the Tech
Success in trial logistics isn’t just about execution—it’s about relationships.
Collaboration with opposing counsel, the judge’s clerks, and courtroom staff can be a strategic advantage.
Professionalism and decorum, even outside the courtroom, are key to maintaining credibility.
6. Team Culture Makes or Breaks a Trial
Trials aren’t for everyone—they require flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to do anything needed, from managing exhibits to making sure attorneys have socks.
Having a strong, adaptable team makes all the difference.
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