Like it or not, the world has changed.  In the last century, technology was a relatively new tool in the trial business and attorneys could get away with using the “old school” flip charts and handwritten boards.  This century is a whole new world.  Jurors’ perception of technology in the courtroom, which used to be negative, has done a complete flip.  When jurors were interviewed in the last century, they would comment that the defense “had more money, so of course they could afford to put on a show”.  Now they are aware that technology has come down in price and is immensely more affordable.

While conducting post-trial interviews over the course of the past year, one theme has been evident time and again.  Jurors are making comparisons, and the attorney who is still using “old school” tactics usually does not come out on top.  Jurors commented negatively about attorneys who fumbled with exhibits, who were using handwritten boards that were difficult or impossible to read. They have been accused of not caring enough about their clients to put on a clear, concise presentation.

This generation of jurors is used to getting their visual information on television and the internet.  They are used to having things presented in sound bites and visual bulletpoints.  They want their information packaged in a manner that takes little time and attention to absorb.

Electronic trials, multimedia presentations, 3D animations and trial graphics are available at any number of price points and can be tailored for even the most cost-conscious attorney.  The smart attorney will at least price these services out before heading into trial again.  

When technology was growing in the last century , when everyone was so enamored of the latest and greatest thing that they wanted it the second it came out, regardless of the cost, a tongue in cheek saying was making the rounds “he who dies with the most toys wins”.  In this century, in the litigation industry, “he who tries with the most technology wins”.