The Value of Trial Graphics Recognized

As former trial attorneys here at Cogent Legal, we know the value of good trial graphics. Our clients appreciate and understand the need for high-quality in-court presentation too.

Recently, a judge in Nevada joined the chorus appreciating the worth of trial graphics. As reported in the Las Vegas Review Journal on September 25, 2013, Clark County District Judge Rob Bare awarded costs of over $1 million to a successful plaintiff, including costs for slides that explained the case, video depositions synchronized with the transcripts, and a trial technician who displayed evidence in a six week trial.

As Judge Bare observed, “I think members of a jury, most likely, are going to respect a more high-tech approach. … I think they will connect with it. … (It) is more than necessary in today’s modern climate. I think the judiciary should encourage this type of professional, high-caliber type of presentation.”

In reaching his ruling, Judge Bare agreed with plaintiff’s attorney that displaying documents and depositions on screen saved time at trial, and rejected defense arguments that the expenses were not “reasonable and necessary” under the applicable Nevada law standard.

The case was Suen v. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS), 04A493744, Nevada District Court, Clark County.

At Cogent Legal, we provide trial graphics and in-court trial presentation technicians like those Judge Bare just endorsed. We wholeheartedly agree with Judge Bare that this sophisticated type of presentation helps litigators connect with juries. In the past, we’ve blogged about why it makes sense to develop your presentation as early as possible in the litigation process. Instead of waiting to create graphics in a piecemeal fashion after a case is worked up, integrate the development of graphics into the case as soon as possible. Let us know if we can help you with your next in-court presentation.

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